Automotive Lighting Engineer

Location: United States

• Define and develop lighting standards and ensure proper electrical and system integration within vehicle architectures
• Lead RFQs, technical reviews, and supplier selection processes
• Drive end-to-end product development including design, packaging, validation, and launch of lighting systems and accessories
• Create and maintain product specifications, DVP&R, DFMEA, control plans, and quality requirements
• Guide CAD/CAE activities (3D modeling, packaging, optics, FEA/CFD validation) to meet functional and regulatory targets
• Ensure compliance with design rules, NVH, water management, and craftsmanship requirements
• Manage component and subsystem requirements, interface definitions (ICDs), and technical documentation
• Track program targets (cost, timing, weight, quality) and resolve issues cross-functionally
• Lead design reviews, prototype builds, and validation activities (virtual and physical testing)
• Ensure full requirements traceability and adequate validation coverage at component, system, and vehicle level
• Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to drive issue resolution and system integration
• Stay up to date with industry trends, technologies, and customer expectations to drive innovation
• Apply best practices such as Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Serviceability (DFS), and robust engineering principles

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering, or a related field
• Equivalent practical experience in automotive product development may be considered
• Background in vehicle systems, lighting technology, or product design is preferred

• Strong experience in automotive product development, preferably in lighting or body exterior systems
• Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., CATIA V5/V6) and understanding of PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter)
• Solid knowledge of mechanical design principles, GD&T, material selection, and manufacturing processes
• Experience with CAE tools or validation methods (optics, FEA, CFD)
• Understanding of automotive development processes (DFMEA, DVP&R, validation, product launch)
• Experience working with suppliers and managing technical interfaces
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to resolve complex technical challenges
• Experience with prototype builds, testing, and production ramp-up
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional environments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment

• Experience with Volkswagen
• Willingness to travel globally
• Participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time

• Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.

• Location: Charlotte, NC
• Schedule: Full Time/ 40 hours per week
• Travel: travel globally as required
• Overtime: as required
• Assignment Start: ca. June 2026 - December 2030
• Duration: up to 4.5 years

SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., SWJ MACHINING and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.