Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer - Automotive Exterior SystemsJob Description
This role focuses on the design and modification of exterior automotive components using CATIA in a fast-paced engineering environment. You will work on visible exterior systems such as closures, doors, windows, trim, and access panels, contributing immediately to high-priority projects. The position offers the opportunity to build strong experience in automotive surfacing and mechanical design while supporting a team that is actively recovering from a significant workload backlog.
Responsibilities
Design and modify exterior automotive components, including doors, windows, trim, and access panels.
Work extensively in CATIA on a daily basis as the primary design and delivery tool.
Develop, refine, and adjust surface geometry, including Class A and other cosmetic surfaces, to meet aesthetic and functional requirements.
Design both cosmetic and functional components, ensuring proper fit, finish, and performance.
Collaborate closely with internal teams to integrate mechanical systems and ensure proper fit, finish, and interface with adjacent components.
Support a substantial backlog of design work created by recent team capacity loss.
Quickly ramp up on existing programs and jump into current models to update, iterate, and improve designs with minimal guidance.
Apply mechanical design principles to plastic, trim, and other cosmetic components used in exterior systems.
Contribute to mechanism design work, such as hinges, latches, and motion systems, as needed.
Support engineering activities that align with high-priority exterior system deliverables and program timelines.
Essential Skills
Advanced, day-one proficiency in CATIA with the ability to contribute immediately without extensive training.
Proven experience in automotive exterior systems, including closures, doors, and windows.
Strong mechanical engineering background with hands-on mechanical design experience.
Experience in mechanical design of plastic, trim, and cosmetic components for automotive applications.
Demonstrated experience with surface modeling, including Class A and other high-quality cosmetic surfaces.
Ability to design both cosmetic and functional components that meet performance, durability, and appearance standards.
Capability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment and ramp up quickly on new projects and tools.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with mechanism design, including hinges, latches, and motion systems for closures and exterior systems.
Prior experience with automotive OEM or Tier 1 suppliers.
Exposure to the full product lifecycle from design through release.
Experience supporting high-volume production environments and understanding of manufacturing considerations for exterior components.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams on fit, finish, and system integration.
Strong interest in automotive surfacing and CATIA-based design as a core career focus.
Ability to work independently with minimal ramp-up while maintaining high quality and attention to detail.
Work Environment
You will work in a fast-paced engineering design environment driven by a significant backlog of high-priority work. The team is in a recovery phase after substantial attrition, so your contributions will have immediate impact from day one. CATIA is the primary design and delivery tool, and you will spend much of your time working directly in this environment on complex exterior systems and surfaces. The role offers exposure to visible automotive exterior systems and high-priority engineering projects, providing strong experience in surfacing, closures, and mechanical design. The setting emphasizes collaboration with internal engineering teams, rapid iteration, and a focus on delivering production-ready designs for high-volume automotive applications.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Broomfield, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $62.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Broomfield,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
