Integrated Lighting Systems Engineer at Magna in Troy, MI

Integrated Lighting Systems Engineer
Location: Troy, Michigan, US
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What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.
Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.
Job Responsibilities:
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Integrated Lighting Systems Engineer develops integrated lighting solutions for exterior automotive systems, with a primary focus on accent lighting, illuminated exterior features, and new customer-facing lighting concepts. This role combines lighting engineering expertise with a systems-engineering mindset to integrate optical, electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing requirements into robust exterior system solutions. The position is focused on customer-visible exterior lighting features and innovation rather than traditional regulatory lamp development, supporting next-generation illuminated exterior systems that strengthen technology, design intent, customer experience, brand differentiation, and manufacturability.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead the system definition, development, and integration of exterior lighting features, with emphasis on accent lighting, illuminated exterior components, and brand-differentiating lighting functions.
• Translate customer expectations, styling intent, product requirements, and technical constraints into clear system requirements and functional specifications.
• Define and execute the Statement of Work / Statement of Requirements for integrated lighting systems and related sub-systems.
• Cascade requirements to optical, electrical, electronic, software, mechanical, trim, and manufacturing teams to ensure a complete and feasible system solution.
• Support concept development for new lighting solutions including illuminated grilles, exterior accent lighting, welcome/goodbye animations, light guides, light pipes, projection features, and smart surfaces.
• Ensure customer requirements, applicable regulations, product specifications, cost, timing, safety, reliability, quality, and manufacturing feasibility are considered in the system design.
• Collaborate with styling, product engineering, electronics, software, optics, suppliers, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams to develop innovative and robust integrated lighting solutions.
• Prepare and maintain engineering deliverables including system specifications, sub-system specifications, interface control documents, system architecture, compliance matrix, system bill of materials, DFMEA, DVP&R, prototype plans, engineering changes, and technical reviews.
• Participate in creation and analysis of system models, simulations, prototypes, and validation plans for lighting performance, integration, thermal behavior, durability, and perceived quality.
• Identify and promote new lighting technologies, materials, suppliers, and integration approaches that can improve the value, appearance, performance, or manufacturability of exterior systems.
• Manage assigned work packages in Trax or equivalent requirements-management tools, ensuring traceability, timely completion, and alignment with project deliverables.
• Apply ISO 26262, ASPICE, or equivalent automotive system-development practices when applicable to program scope, while maintaining primary focus on integrated accent lighting innovation and robust system execution.
• Support customer discussions, innovation reviews, technical workshops, and system-level trade-off decisions related to exterior lighting integration.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conduct engineering testing of electromechanical systems from proof-of-concept mockups through customer validation testing.
• Use system analysis tools, such as LabVIEW, programmers, oscilloscopes, meters, and analyzers, to evaluate system performance and troubleshoot system functions when issues arise.
• Review, approve, complete, and submit required change notices to ensure the system meets design inputs.
• Participate in code reviews and component design reviews with peers and customers to ensure system requirements are fulfilled.
• Develop new project documentation and optimize existing project documentation to add value and improve communication efficiency.
• Support system analysis activities. Demonstrate fundamental understanding of, and ability to apply, basic mathematical models for mechatronic systems and software simulations using tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and software development environments for embedded applications.
• Independently prioritize task completion and issue resolution to ensure compliance with customer requirements and program deliverables. Contribute to the development of project timing.
• Communicate effectively within the project team and with customers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, and quality teams with minimal guidance from engineering management and engineering personnel.
• Works with senior engineering personnel to support and drive best practices in design specifications, manufacturing processes, customer requirements, and safety requirements.
• Understand and execute internal change management processes and adapt to customer change management systems to ensure accuracy and proper protocol when processing engineering change requests.
• Analyzes products and formulates engineering conclusions by the application of engineering and/or mathematical principles and tools. Applies QFD, FEA, FMEA, DOE, VA/VE and DFM/DFA, as required in the development of the product.
• Support the Global Systems team as required.
• Understand and follow existing policies, procedures, work instructions, and standards, and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Follow Magna’s Code of Conduct & Ethics and related compliance policies.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Computer Engineering, or Control Systems from an accredited university, or a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with more than five years of experience with systems or embedded software product applications.
• 5-10 years of engineering experience
• Demonstrated ability to apply systems methodologies to design and develop cascading requirements.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication, presentation, influencing, and customer-facing technical engagement skills.
• Fluent English communication skills required; German language skills are considered a plus.
• Completion of Mechatronics 1 and Mechatronics 2 courses preferred.
• Completion of ISO 26262 and ASPICE courses preferred.
• Possess working knowledge of EDA tools, electronic circuit board design, and manufacturing, with familiarity with the fabrication and testing of electronic products.
• Possess detailed documentation practices.
• Vehicle-level bus communication protocol development experience, such as CAN or LIN.
• System and subsystem architecture development experience for safety-critical components.
• Working knowledge of electrical hardware, including wire harnesses, software, and electrical circuit theory as they relate to embedded controls for electromechanical systems.
• Automotive production launch experience with an embedded software product required.
• Working knowledge of C/C++, assembly language, Arduino code, MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or other software design and test tools.
• Understanding of standard software processes and industry requirements, including IEEE, CMMI, MISRA, AUTOSAR, and USCAR.
HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Ensure all safety and non-safety rules and regulations are followed.
• Ensure adherence to established quality and housekeeping standards.
• Review and adhere to local health, safety, environmental, and quality standards, operating procedures, and policies.
• Immediately report accidents, hazards, defects, or non-compliance issues to management.
• Work and act in a manner that will not harm oneself or any other worker.
• Understand and uphold policies that prohibit workplace violence and harassment.
• Participate in all mandatory training.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Conditions may cause minor stress or physical discomfort due to limited exposure to elements or frequent exposure to moderately disagreeable internal or external conditions. Typical conditions may create a minor risk of injury or harmful effects to self or others
Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:
At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure
As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Exteriors