Freelance Computer Aided Design Designer Jobs in Indiana

Business Title: Senior CAD Designer
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Leadership Scope: Individual Leader
Company Info: With a heritage of nearly 120 years, we aren't just a company; we are a brand of trust. But more than anything, we are a collection of individuals who, together, give Grote Industries a decisive competitive advantage. At Grote, our shared vision is clear - to meet the needs of the customers we serve. We accomplish that mission every day by following a set of core values that makes us who we are.
Innovation has been the hallmark of Grote Industries from the start. From durable, easy to see stop lights to the latest in LED lighting technology, Grote has been leading the way in advanced vehicle system solutions from early in the last century right up to today. With these innovations, Grote has helped millions of people throughout North America and the world benefit from the innovation and design excellence of Grote products.
Position Summary: The Lead CAD Designer will be a critical member of our engineering and design team, responsible for the comprehensive 3D design and development of automotive headlamps. This role requires an expert user of CATIA, with a proven track record of successful design execution within the automotive lighting sector. The ideal candidate will possess an exceptional understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and an acute awareness of aesthetic and regulatory requirements for exterior automotive lighting. While Catia will be the primary tool, a working knowledge or exposure to Siemens NX will also be beneficial.
Position Duties: - Lead the 3D CAD design and modeling of complex automotive headlamp systems and their individual components using Catia, from concept to production release.
- Translate styling surfacing data and engineering requirements into robust, manufacturable 3D models and detailed 2D drawings.
- Collaborate closely with styling, optical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure design feasibility, manufacturability, and adherence to performance specifications.
- Develop and maintain highly organized CAD models, ensuring proper feature tree management, parametric associativity, and adherence to company CAD standards.
- Perform design reviews, identify potential issues, and propose innovative solutions to optimize design for cost, weight, performance, and manufacturing processes.
- Create and manage complex assemblies, including interference checks, clearance analysis, and tolerance stacks.
- Generate detailed 2D drawings with appropriate GD&T, material specifications, and manufacturing notes.
- Participate in cross-functional product development meetings, providing expert CAD support and technical insights.
- Mentor junior CAD designers and contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and best practices.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and software advancements in CAD and automotive lighting.
- Utilize knowledge of Siemens NX for specific projects or data exchange as needed.
Requirements: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience as a CAD Designer in the automotive industry, specifically with extensive experience designing automotive headlamps. Demonstrated expert-level proficiency in Catia CAD software, including solid modeling, surface modeling, assembly design, drafting, and advanced surfacing techniques. Proven experience in designing complex plastic injection molded components, die-cast parts, and sheet metal components as they relate to headlamp assemblies. Strong understanding of automotive product development cycles and release processes. In-depth knowledge of GD&T principles and their application in 2D drawings. Familiarity with various manufacturing processes relevant to headlamp production (e.g., injection molding, vacuum metallization, hard coating, assembly). Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Problem-solving mindset with a strong attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines. Exposure to or working knowledge of Siemens NX and PDM/PLM systems (e.g., Windchill) preferred.