Sr. Optical Design Engineer

Job Number: 16178

Group: Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors & Lighting

Division: Autosystems America, Inc.

Job Type: Permanent/Regular

Location: Plymouth, Belleville, Troy

Group Description

The Mechatronics, Mirrors and Lighting group specializes in automotive technologies that are driving the future of mobility. Combining a deep systems knowledge to develop unique vehicle access experiences, intelligent visions systems and advanced automotive lighting technologies, MML's expertise light the path to innovation, safety and styling.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for design and development of an optically approvable lamp prescription to the program

• Co-ordinate lab and road studies for optical models, prototype and production parts

• Evaluate and submit required tunes to optimize optical performance

• Investigate, develop and prototype new lighting concepts, processes and applications that will raise the company's competitive position with the intent of commercializing the technology

• Direct program managers and tooling engineers regarding optical prescriptions caveats

• Work with mechanical design through release to address mechanical issues that may impact integrity of optical prescription

• Work with business development group to provide timely and accurate feasibility studies

• Provide technical support to Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, Program Managers, Project Managers and Tooling Engineering

• Create and evaluate supportive technical documentation for Program Managers to present to the customer

• Co-ordinate and participate in local and customer night drives

• Provide technical resource to VA/VE initiatives

• Keep abreast of domestic and international photometric legal requirements

• Flexible working hours are required and the ability to travel to customer sites for technical reviews and night drive evaluations

• Laboratory development: physical measurements of lamps and analysis of photometric attributes

• Assist in the development and implementation of operating procedures and guidelines for photometric equipment and photo lab personnel

• Understand computer simulation theory and associated limitations and assumptions

• Face to face/written interaction with customers/senior management

• Work directly with approval authorities to obtain formal certification of products

• Understand patent situation on new technologies

• Educate co-workers on developed technologies

• Lead team to determine commercial application and prototype needs

• Takes a lead role on the Optics team with development and documentation of new tools, techniques, and guidelines

Key Qualifications/Requirements

• Four year Engineering/Design degree or equivalent experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive exterior lighting optical design

• Familiarity with light manufacturing processes

• Computer literate including 3D CAD, ASAP, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Project

Special Skills and Attributes

• Strong mechanical and optical design skills

• Keen ability to solve problems and facilitate solutions in a time dependent automotive environment

• Strong oral communication skills are required as the optical prescription impacts all facets of the business

• Capable of initiating and following tasks through to completion

• Strong computer skills with the ability to handle complex computer aided engineering tasks

• Ability to write programs using a scripting language

• Excellent communication and presentation skills required to meet the challenges of direct customer interaction in technical reviews and product performance evaluations

• Ability to multitask effectively, shift priorities and directions due to customer driven requirements

• Strong and varied interpersonal skills:

• Able to communicate and negotiate with supplier and customer representatives through written and verbal correspondence

• Able to present material to large groups

• Able to gain support and co-operation of team members both internal and external

• Works independently or in a team

• Able to travel and manage flexible work schedule requirements

• Understands product manufacturing and costing processes

• Independently manage assigned projects for cost and timing

Tools and Techniques:

• Understands and applies principles of visible light reflection and refraction to create optical models

• Creates and define robust computer aided design files and computer aided engineering files for the purpose of creating and evaluating complex optical systems

• Can operate the gonio-photometer as an engineering tool to verify and evaluate physical optical systems

• Uses the output from said device to effect changes/ improvements to the optical system under consideration

Physical Demands

Physical Demands - Ability to move around on the production floor; Ability to bend, twist, lift, reach. Required to carry out job duties and responsibilities in a work environment that may include, but is not limited to, varying levels of noise and/or temperature. Ability to lift max. 50lbs periodically.

08--Engineering F--Permanent/Regular