Senior CATIA V5 Mechanical Designer / Checker – Body-in-White (BIW) Tooling & Transfer Systems
Location: Southfield, MI
Travel: 5–20% (Domestic & International as Required)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior CATIA V5 Mechanical Designer / Checker with a strong background in Body-in-White (BIW) tooling, transfer systems, and fixture design. This position is focused on automotive body shop automation and requires hands-on experience designing and checking tooling for production environments.
Responsibilities
Design and check Body-in-White (BIW) tooling using CATIA V5
Develop detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings
Design transfer systems and tooling fixtures for automotive body shops
Modify existing tooling and develop new mechanical designs for simple to complex systems
Create kit sheets illustrating design revisions and modifications
Review customer specifications, sketches, and engineering data to ensure design accuracy
Apply North American automotive standards and customer specifications throughout the design process
Coordinate with Project Engineers, Technical Leaders, Mechanical Engineers, suppliers, and manufacturing teams
Support supplier integration, purchased components, and imported CAD models
Participate in installation, startup, debugging, and final equipment acceptance as needed
Required Qualifications
Approximately 8+ years of mechanical design experience
Expert proficiency with CATIA V5
Extensive experience with Body-in-White (BIW) tooling
Strong background in Transfer System Design & Coordination
Experience designing:
GEO Systems
Framing Lines
Bodyside Systems
Sub-Assembly Fixtures
Tooling Fixtures
Transfer Systems
Knowledge of:
North American automotive standards
Body assembly geometry
Fixture tooling
Tool stack-up methodology
Auto assembly strategies
Part flow through body shops
Pallet systems
Robot systems
Experience importing and coordinating purchased components including:
Weld Guns
End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT)
Switches
Supplier Models
Familiarity with:
NAAMS Standards
Customer CAD Standards
CAD attributes
CAD checking procedures
Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Preferred Qualifications
Associate Degree in Mechanical Technology or equivalent experience
Additional experience with Powertrain automation projects
Understanding of mechanical design sequences and controls documentation
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Ability to interpret customer specifications and technical documentation
Knowledge of manufacturing processes and mechanical systems
Ability to work independently and within cross-functional engineering teams
Travel
Domestic and international travel may be required (approximately 5–20%) to support equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
Ideal Backgrounds
Body-in-White (BIW)
Automotive Tooling
Automation Systems
Transfer Systems
Tooling Fixtures
Machine Building
Automotive Assembly Equipment
CATIA V5 Mechanical Design
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