Product Design Engineer – Plastics (Exterior) (w/m/d)

As a Product Design Engineer – Plastics (Exterior) (w/m/d) you will be responsible for the design and development of exterior plastic components such as bumpers, grilles, trims, and other visible body parts. You will translate customer requirements into functional and manufacturable designs, ensure compliance with performance, quality, and safety standards, and collaborate closely with internal teams, suppliers, customers, and the parent company in China.

In this role, you are expected to be responsible for:

• Design and develop automotive plastic exterior components (e.g., bumpers, radiator grilles, exterior trims, covers) using CAD software (Siemens NX, Catia V5).
• Translate customer and internal requirements into functional, manufacturable plastic part designs.
• Create and release 3D models, 2D drawings, and detailed specifications for prototypes and series production.
• Conduct DFMEA sessions for plastic parts, identifying risks and implementing preventive design measures.
• Perform design feasibility studies, packaging analysis, and tolerance stack‑ups specific to injection‑molded parts.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and OEM standards for exterior plastic components.
• Collaborate with CAE teams to validate designs regarding stiffness, durability, crash requirements, and thermal performance.
• Act as technical interface with OEM customers, managing engineering discussions, design reviews and technical sign‑offs.
• Coordinate with internal departments (Sales, Quality, Manufacturing, Project Management) to align technical decisions, resolve issues, and ensure project milestones are met.
• Communicate and align with the parent company in China, ensuring technical consistency, data exchange, and cross‑regional collaboration.
• Interface with suppliers and manufacturing (injection molding, painting, assembly) to ensure DFM/DFA feasibility.
• Support validation testing (fit & finish, weathering, durability, illumination performance) and root cause analysis during development and launch.
• Maintain documentation and manage engineering changes through PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter).

Following qualifications and abilities are expected for this role:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Automotive Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive plastic component design (exterior).
• Proficient in CAD tools (Siemens NX, Catia V5).
• Strong knowledge of injection molding, painting, and joining technologies for plastics.
• Experience working with OEMs and leading technical discussions.
• Experience in cross‑cultural communication, ideally with China‑based teams.
• Deep understanding of GD&T, DVP&R, and vehicle exterior integration.
• Experience with DFMEA, tolerance analysis, and design validation processes.
• Familiarity with OEM development processes and release systems.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills (internal, OEM, suppliers, parent company).
• Electrical knowledge (illumination systems, wiring integration in plastic parts) is an advantage.
• Knowledge of OEM systems such as VW Group CONNECT/KVS, BMW Prisma, or Mercedes‑Benz Smaragd is an advantage.
• Fluent in spoken and written German and English; Chinese language skills are an advantage, but not essential.

We offer:

• Participation in international projects with highly motivated and performance‑oriented teams
• Exciting customer in the premium segment
• Pleasant working atmosphere
• Different company events & Corporate Benefits

Join our team! Just send your CV, your salary expectations and your earliest starting date to:

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