Optical Application Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Business Title: Lead CAD

Reports to: Engineering Manager

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.

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 Creo, 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 PTC Creo will be the primary tool, a working knowledge or exposure to Siemens NX and/or Catia will also be beneficial.

• Lead the 3D CAD design and modeling of complex automotive headlamp systems and their individual components using PTC Creo, 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.

Minimum of 10 years of professional CAD design experience within the automotive industry, with extensive direct experience designing automotive headlamps, is required. Candidates must demonstrate expert-level proficiency in PTC Creo CAD software, including solid and surface modeling, assembly design, drafting, and advanced surfacing techniques. Proven experience designing complex plastic injection-molded components, die-cast parts, and sheet metal components related to headlamp assemblies is required, along with a strong understanding of automotive product development and release processes, GD&T principles and their application to 2D drawings, and manufacturing processes associated with headlamp production, including injection molding, vacuum metallization, hard coating, and assembly. Candidates should possess excellent communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet demanding deadlines. Exposure to Siemens NX or CATIA, experience with PDM/PLM systems such as Windchill, knowledge of photometric and optical design considerations, and familiarity with automotive exterior-lighting regulations and standards are preferred. A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field is preferred; however, relevant professional experience may substitute for a degree.