Advanced Innovation Design Engineer

Position Summary / Objective

The Advanced Innovation Design Engineer leads the concept, simulation, and advanced development of next-generation automotive lighting systems and illuminated products. This role blends mechanical design, optical engineering, simulation, and production feasibility to transform early concepts into production-ready technologies. This position requires strong expertise in 3D design, optical ray tracing, thermal simulation, and cross-functional integration
, supporting innovation from ideation through validation and commercialization. The engineer will work closely with electrical, optical, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to ensure new technologies are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with OEM standards.

• Lead concept creation and advanced development of new lighting technologies and illuminated systems.
• Develop patentable designs and innovative lighting architectures.
• Create and evaluate physical properties, demonstration units, and advanced proof-of-concept prototypes.
• Identify emerging materials, optical systems, coatings, and lighting technologies for future application.

• Design production-intent components and assemblies using CATIA, NX, or Solid Works.
• Develop full 3D models, 2D drawings, GD&T documentation, and BOMs.
• Ensure designs meet packaging, structural, and manufacturability requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers and prototype shops to execute concept builds.

• Perform optical modeling and ray tracing to optimize light distribution, uniformity, efficiency, and appearance.
• Work with light guides, micro-optics, reflectors, diffusers, and surface treatments.
• Support optical validation through simulation and physical testing.
• Collaborate with electronics teams to integrate LEDs and drivers into optical systems.

• Conduct and/or support
• Optical ray tracing simulations
• Thermal simulations (in coordination with Mechanical Engineering)
• Structural and feasibility analyses
• Develop thermal management strategies to maintain LED and electronic performance at elevated temperatures.
• Validate design performance through simulation prior to prototype and tooling release.

• Support integration of electronics with optical and mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with electrical engineering on heat generation, packaging constraints, and system robustness.
• Ensure system-level performance across optical, mechanical, and electronic domains.

• Utilize Teamcenter (or equivalent PLM system) to manage CAD data, revisions, and release processes.
• Maintain organized documentation aligned with internal quality systems.
• Support product lifecycle management from concept through validation and release.

• Participate in OEM meetings, technical reviews, and design studio interactions.
• Support technical sales efforts, quoting activities, and concept presentations.
• Represent Muth at industry expos, technology conventions, and innovation forums.

• Strong proficiency in CATIA (primary), NX and/or Solid Works.
• Experience with optical simulation and ray tracing tools (e.g., Lucid Shape, Light Tools, Speos, Zemax, or similar).
• Experience with thermal simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, FloTHERM, Solid Works Thermal, or similar).
• Deep understanding of automotive lighting systems and illuminated product design.
• Working knowledge of LED systems, light guides, micro-optics, coatings, and decorative finishes.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and automotive validation practices.
• Experience using Teamcenter or similar PLM systems.
• Ability to translate early concepts into production-feasible designs.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional and OEM interaction.

• Systems thinking across mechanical, optical, and electrical domains.
• Innovation mindset with production discipline.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capability.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• High level of organization…