Design Release Engineer

Job summary

Lead the development, validation, and design release of exterior lighting systems from concept through production launch, ensuring performance, cost, quality, timing, and regulatory targets are met. Coordinate with internal teams and suppliers, manage validation and change activities, and resolve engineering issues throughout the vehicle development lifecycle.

Job details

This position is 100% on-site. Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer (DRE) to lead the development, validation, and release of exterior lighting systems including headlamps, tail lamps, fog lamps, and signaling devices. The DRE will serve as the primary technical point of contact responsible for delivering lighting components that meet performance, cost, quality, and timing targets throughout the vehicle development lifecycle. Key Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end engineering delivery of exterior lighting systems from concept through production launch Own design release of components in PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill) Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Styling, Packaging, Electrical, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Suppliers Ensure designs meet regulatory requirements (FMVSS, ECE, SAE, etc.) Manage supplier development activities, including design reviews, technical discussions, and issue resolution Drive DFMEA, DVP&R, and engineering validation activities Support prototyping builds, testing, and launch readiness Identify and resolve engineering issues (fit, function, durability, optics, thermal, sealing, etc.) Track and meet program milestones, cost targets, and quality metrics Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for field or launch issues Lead change management and engineering change requests (ECR/ECO) Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field 3+ years of experience in automotive exterior lighting or related systems Experience with design release engineering processes Working knowledge of lighting components (LEDs, optics, housings, electronics, wiring interfaces) Familiarity with CAD tools (CATIA, NX, or similar) Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups Experience with automotive validation processes (DV/PV testing) Working Knowledge of regulatory lighting standards (FMVSS 108, ECE, etc.) Strong communication and problem-solving skills Travel Requirements: Travel to US (Detroit) 1-2 days per week.

What you’ll do

Lead the development, validation, and design release of exterior lighting systems from concept through production launch, ensuring performance, cost, quality, timing, and regulatory targets are met. Coordinate with internal teams and suppliers, manage validation and change activities, and resolve engineering issues throughout the vehicle development lifecycle.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, plus 3 or more years of experience in automotive exterior lighting or related systems. Candidates should have design release experience, familiarity with lighting components, CAD, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, automotive validation, and lighting regulations, along with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Listed skills

• Cross-Functional Coordination · Preferred
• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Root Cause Analysis · Preferred
• Change Management · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Exterior Lighting Design Release
• Automotive Lighting Systems
• Design Release Engineering
• Supplier Development
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Regulatory Compliance
• DFMEA
• DVP&R
• Engineering Validation
• CAD
• GD&T
• Tolerance Stack-Ups
• Root Cause Analysis
• Corrective Actions
• Change Management
• Problem-Solving

Job areas

• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Management & Leadership

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