Position summary
The Senior CAD Designer develops robust, manufacturable 3D CAD models and 2D drawings for automotive plastic components and assemblies at Grand Traverse Plastics. This role partners with Product Development, Tooling, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Launch teams to support design activity from concept through production release. The ideal candidate brings advanced CAD skills and strong plastic part design experience, with a practical understanding of injection molding, tooling feasibility, dimensional control, and automotive customer expectations to guide design decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Create, modify, and maintain 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, assemblies, layouts, and release documentation.
Lead CAD design activities for assigned programs, including concepts, packaging studies, design iterations, engineering changes, and customer data reviews.
Apply plastic part design principles — wall thickness, draft, ribs, bosses, snap features, fastener interfaces, sealing surfaces, and molded-in features.
Partner with Engineering, Tooling, Manufacturing, Quality, and suppliers to identify design risks and resolve issues, ensuring manufacturable designs.
Support design reviews, feasibility reviews, DFMEA input, print reviews, and launch readiness activities.
Maintain CAD files and revision history in accordance with GTP standards.
Create and manage a design request process to ensure CAD projects are captured, prioritized, and completed on schedule.
Additional Responsibilities
Review customer CAD data, prints, specifications, and requirements for completeness, feasibility, and design risk.
Help develop and improve GTP CAD practices, drawing standards, and design-for-manufacturing guidelines.
Mentor engineers and less experienced designers on CAD methods, modeling practices, and plastic design considerations.
Support tool build, validation, launch, and production issue resolution when design input is needed.
Qualifications
Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent experience in CAD, mechanical design, engineering technology, or a related field.
Significant experience creating 3D models and 2D drawings for mechanical components or assemblies.
Strong knowledge of plastic part design and injection molding considerations.
Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensional tolerancing, datum strategies, and engineering drawing standards.
Ability to interpret and apply customer specifications, CAD data, drawings, and technical requirements.
Practical problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple design priorities.
Clear cross-functional communication with Engineering, Tooling, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and suppliers.
Preferred: Siemens NX experience, automotive industry experience, and familiarity with APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, Teamcenter, or other PLM/PDM systems.
Organizational relationships
Works closely with Product Development, Tooling, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Launch, Program Management, Sales/Application Engineering, suppliers, and customer engineering contacts as needed.
Supervision received: Product Development Supervisor
Supervision exercised: No direct reports. May provide technical guidance or mentorship to Product Development Engineers, Manufacturing Development Engineers, or cross-functional team members.
