Job Description
Design Leader
Division:  FCM DIV NORTH AMERICA
Job Type:  Unlimited
Job Location:  AUBURN HILLS HQ R&D
Job Description: 

Forvia, a sustainable mobility technology leader

We pioneer technology for mobility experience that matter to people.

Your mission, roles and responsibilities

The Design Leader oversees the full design process, from initial concept through final customer release. This role is accountable for delivering fully developed CAD models and drawings that meet project milestones, product and process specifications, internal standards, and customer requirements. Key responsibilities include:

  • Lead design activities for assigned programs.
  • Coordinate with program teams to meet customer milestones.
  • Drive design improvements through cross-functional collaboration.
  • Align with the PDL (Product Development Leader) and Product Experts on TOP5 priorities.
  • Develop system packaging concepts and product layouts.
  • Ensure consistency across systems, subsystems, and components.
  • Support reviews of 3D designs and 2D drawings.
  • Conduct design studies for the PDL, Product Experts, and customers.
  • Ensure all customer deliverables meet internal and customer standards.
  • Verify compliance with DCS (Design Check Sheet), GD (Generic Drawings), and CAD quality standards.
  • Maintain the EBOM (Engineering Bill of Materials).
  • Align internal and customer PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.
  • Manage CAD data exchanges with customers and suppliers.
  • Participate in formal customer events and complete customer requested design studies.
  • Support DFM (Design for Manufacturing) reviews with Process Experts.
  • Support process planning activities, including IDW (Industrial Design Workshop) and PFA (Process Flow Analysis).
  • Support prototype activities, including PPKO (Prototype Plant Kick-Off).
  • Support the definition of key product and control characteristics (KPC/KCC).
  • Participate in APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) meetings.

Your profile and competencies to succeed

The ideal candidate will have/be:

  • Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of relevant experience, or a degree in mechanical engineering with product development experience; automotive industry experience is preferred
  • Training and proficiency in program specific CAD tools, including NX
  • Experience using product lifecycle management (PLM) systems
  • Understanding of primary manufacturing methods
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team
  • An international mindset 

What we can do for you

  • At Forvia, you will find an engaging and dynamic environment where you can contribute to the development of sustainable mobility leading technologies.  
  • We are the seventh-largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in more than 40 countries which makes a lot of opportunity for career development. 
  • We welcome energetic and agile people who can thrive in a fast-changing environment. People who share our strong values. Team players with a collaborative mindset and a passion to deliver high standards for our clients. Lifelong learners. High performers. Globally minded people who aspire to work in a transforming industry, where excellence, speed, and quality count. 
  • We cultivate a learning environment, dedicating tools and resources to ensure we remain at the forefront of mobility.  Our people enjoy an average of more than 22 hours of online and in-person training within FORVIA University (five campuses around the world) 
  • We offer a multicultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration. We believe that diversity is a strength. To create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity create real value for the company, we have adopted gender diversity targets and inclusion action plans. 
  • Achieving CO2 Net Zero as a pioneer of the automotive industry is a priority: In June 2022, Forvia became the first global automotive group to be certified with the new SBTI Net-Zero Standard (the most ambitious standard of SBTi), aligned with the ambition of the 2015 Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Three principles guide our action: use less, use better and use longer, with a focus on recyclability and circular economy. 

Why join us

FORVIA, a global automotive technology supplier, comprises the complementary technology and industrial strengths of Faurecia and HELLA.

With over 137 500 people, including more than 12,000 R&D engineers across 40+ countries, FORVIA provides a unique and comprehensive approach to the automotive challenges of today and tomorrow. Composed of 6 business groups and a strong IP portfolio of over 12,400 patents, FORVIA is focused on becoming the preferred innovation and integration partner for OEMs worldwide.

In 2025, the Group achieved a consolidated revenue of 26.2 billion euros prior to IFRS 5. FORVIA SE is listed on the Euronext Paris market under the FRVIA mnemonic code and is a component of the SBF 120 index.

FORVIA aims to be a change maker committed to foreseeing and making the mobility transformation happen. www.forvia.com