Senior Studio Engineer - Exterior Lighting

Job Title: Senior Exterior Lighting Studio Engineer

Location: Munich, Germany  

 

About this Role:  

The Senior Exterior Lighting Studio Engineer is a key technical role within the Design Studio, responsible for leading the studio engineering development of exterior lighting systems (headlamps, rear lamps, DRLs, indicators, signature lighting and ADAS Lights) while also contributing to overall exterior studio engineering activities.

This role bridges design, lighting engineering, and vehicle integration, ensuring that exterior lighting concepts are aesthetically compelling, technically feasible, regulation-compliant, and production-ready—while preserving design intent throughout the development process.

 

What you will do:  

1. Exterior Lighting – Lead Responsibility. 

• Act as the Studio Engineering owner for Exterior Lighting, including:
  • Headlamps
  • Rear lamps
  • DRL / signature lighting
  • Indicators and auxiliary exterior lighting
  • ADAS Lights
• Translate design intent and lighting signatures into feasible, production-ready lighting solutions while preserving brand identity.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of competitor vehicle lighting technologies, architectures, and design trends; actively benchmark competitor solutions and derive learnings for current and future projects.
• Continuously follow and evaluate the latest exterior lighting technologies, including (but not limited to):
  • Advanced LED systems
  • Matrix and pixel lighting
  • Dynamic lighting functions
  • New optical, light guide, and signature concepts
  • Emerging regulations impacting lighting innovation
• Lead early feasibility, packaging, and integration studies for lighting components, considering optical volume, thermal constraints, serviceability, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Actively support lighting supplier scouting, evaluation, and early concept development in collaboration with purchasing and engineering teams.
• Establish and maintain direct technical contact with lighting suppliers, supporting:
  • Early concept development
  • Feasibility discussions
  • Technical reviews and workshops
  • Innovation and technology exploration
• Ensure alignment between design, lighting engineering, suppliers, and vehicle integration teams throughout all project phases.
• Review and validate:
  • Lamp package and installation concepts
  • Fixing and interface solutions
  • Optical and thermal constraints
• Ensure compliance with global lighting regulations (ECE, SAE, China, etc.) from a studio engineering perspective.
• Support design reviews, lighting mock-ups, prototypes, show cars, and management presentations.
• Identify lighting-related risks early and proactively propose alternative solutions to maintain styling intent, technical feasibility, and program timing.

 2. Exterior Studio Engineering – Shared / Secondary Responsibility

• Support overall exterior studio engineering activities including:
  • Bumpers, grilles, trims, moldings, and exterior decorative parts
  • Exterior surfaces, part split lines, gaps & flush
• Provide early engineering input on:
  • Surface feasibility
  • Manufacturing constraints
  • Assembly concepts
• Collaborate closely with:
  • Body Exterior Engineering
  • Safety & Regulations
  • Aerodynamics
  • Manufacturing & Tooling teams
• Ensure exterior design solutions are:
  • Technically feasible
  • Manufacturable
  • Cost-aware
  • Regulation-compliant

3. CAD, Data & Studio Support

• Work extensively with CATIA to:
  • Analyze surfaces and lighting integration
  • Check package, clearances, and interfaces
  • Support design freeze and downstream engineering
• Support clay, digital, and physical model development.
• Perform and support surface quality and interface checks relevant to exterior and lighting components.
• Prepare and manage studio data for reviews, milestones, and supplier discussions.

4. Leadership & Seniority Expectations

• Act as a technical reference and mentor for junior studio engineers.
• Lead complex topics independently and represent the Design Studio in cross-functional meetings.
• Drive decision-making in early concept phases and critical integration topics.
• Proactively identify risks, propose solutions, and improve studio engineering processes.

 

What you will bring: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in: Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in: Automotive Studio Engineering, Exterior Lighting Engineering.
• Proven experience working with exterior lighting systems in series production vehicles.
• Experience working closely with design studios is mandatory.
• Technical Skills
  • Strong proficiency in CATIA
  • Solid understanding of: Exterior lighting architecture and integration, Automotive exterior systems and vehicle packaging
  • Good knowledge of: Manufacturing processes (injection molding, coating, assembly), Automotive lighting regulations (ECE / SAE / China)
  • Familiarity with Alias / ICEM Surf is a plus
• Soft Skills
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to bridge design and engineering
  • Confident presenter in design and technical reviews
  • Proactive, solution-oriented mindset
  • Ability to manage multiple topics in a fast-paced studio environment
  • High attention to detail and strong ownership mentality
• Language & Travel
  • Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required, Chinese is a strong plus
  • Willingness to travel internationally (especially to China)
  • Flexibility for peak studio phases and occasional overtime

 

 

What we offer:  

• Competitive Salary: Reflecting your skills and experience. 
• Hybrid Working: Flexibility to work both remotely and in the office. 
• Annual Leave: 30 days of paid annual leave. 
• Health & Wellness: Access to the Wellhub Pass for your well-being. 
• Employee Development: Learning opportunities and training programs to support your career growth. 
• Transport Support: Deutschland ticket or fuel card. 
• Meal Allowance: For lunch at the canteen. 
• Gifts: Celebratory gifts for work anniversaries and Chinese New Year. 
• Company Events: Regular team-building and social activities. 
• Inclusive Culture: A diverse, supportive environment where every voice is valued. 

 

 

Thank you for considering joining our team! We look forward to hearing from you and hope you become a part of our company. If you are interested in the position, please apply now. We are excited about the possibility of working together to create a bright future!