Automotive Exterior Parts Design Engineer
じどうしゃがいそうぶひんせっけいぎじゅつしゃ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Research and Technical Occupations
- Middle : Development Engineers
- Minor : Automotive Development Engineers
Summary
Technical position that designs automotive exterior parts (bumpers, fenders, door panels, etc.) using CAD and other tools, balancing strength, manufacturability, cost, and aesthetics.
Description
Automotive exterior parts design engineers design exterior parts considering painting and assembly, collaborating with styling, structural analysis, manufacturing departments, and suppliers to develop products. Main tasks include surface modeling using 3D CAD, material selection, requesting analyses for strength and durability evaluation, considering mold design conditions, providing feedback on prototype evaluations, and optimizing the balance between cost and quality. Technology acquisition and teamwork are required in response to automotive industry trends such as electrification, lightweighting, and strengthened crash safety regulations.
Future Outlook
With the advancement of CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric) and EV adoption, demand for lightweight, high-performance materials and 3D technologies will increase. Design efficiency via AI/CAE will improve, and the ability to work with sustainable materials will determine market value.
Personality Traits
Cooperative / Creative / Excellent communication skills / Meticulous / Problem-conscious
Work Style
Flexitime / Manufacturer In-house Design / Office Work / Remote / Supplier Design
Career Path
Assistant Designer → Design Engineer → Senior Design Engineer → Design Leader → Project Manager → Design Department Manager
Required Skills
3D CAD Operation / Design Drawing Creation / Mold Design / Strength of Materials
Recommended Skills
Ability to Read English Technical Documents / Basic CAE Knowledge / Basic Project Management / Surface Modeling
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because errors in dimensions or tolerances can cause assembly defects or vibration problems. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Requires creativity to propose new shapes based on design requirements. |
| Problem Solving | Requires the ability to verify and improve manufacturability and strength-related issues. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly desk work with low physical demands. |
Related Qualifications
- 3D CAD Utilization Technician Examination
- CAD Utilization Technician Examination
- Ordinary Motor Vehicle Driver's License
Aliases
- Automotive Exterior Design Engineer
- Body Parts Design Engineer
Related Jobs
- Automotive Development Engineer
- Automotive Interior Parts Design Engineer
- CAE Engineer
- Mechanical Design Engineer