Exterior Trim Design Engineer

Blue Chip Talent, in partnership with an automotive organization, is seeking a skilled Lead Exterior Trim Design Engineer. This role is responsible for leading the engineering design, release, and launch of exterior trim systems while optimizing quality, functionality, mass, manufacturability, and cost.
Job DutiesLead the design, development, release, and launch of vehicle exterior trim systemsDevelop exterior components including rocker panels, sill trims, underbody aero shields, wheelhouse liners, spoilers, appliques, and related systemsCreate complex 3D CAD schemes and production-ready engineering modelsEngineer exterior systems using thermoplastic and thermoset resin materialsIntegrate Class A surfaces, aerodynamic features, structural requirements, and adjacent vehicle systemsCollaborate with studio, manufacturing, and vehicle engineering teams to resolve packaging and integration challengesEvaluate fit and finish, gap and flush, thermal expansion, tooling, paint, and manufacturing requirementsSupport component validation, engineering release, tooling, and vehicle launch activities
Skills & ExperienceRequired5+ years of vehicle exterior trim design and development experienceHands-on design experience with exterior trim components such as rocker panels, sill trims, underbody aero shields, wheelhouse liners, spoilers, appliques, or related systemsAdvanced 3D CAD modeling experience, preferably CATIA V5 or V6Experience designing components using thermoplastic and/or thermoset resin materialsKnowledge of Class A manufacturing technologies and painted exterior componentsExperience with automotive engineering release and product development processesVehicle or component launch experience
Desired5+ years of automotive plastics design experienceExperience developing Class A surfaces and production-intent exterior componentsKnowledge of tooling, resin selection, paint processes, color matching, and plastics manufacturingExperience with aerodynamic features, front crash requirements, lighting integration, or module integrationKnowledge of fit and finish, gap and flush, and thermal expansion requirementsExperience with structural design and exterior module concept developmentExperience applying computational engineering tools to component design and validationExperience supporting suppliers through tooling, validation, and production launch
Blue Chip Talent is an award-winning and woman-owned talent solutions provider based out of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For over 30 years, we’ve specialized in IT, Engineering, and Professional Services staffing—now serving clients in 37 states and counting. We connect the market's elite talent with top employers, pairing exceptional white-glove service with proven hiring results to drive innovation and fuel growth.We offer industry-leading benefits options and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that values merit-based recruitment centered around technical ability, skillset, and alignment with our employing partners.