Design Release Engineer - Wheels, Wheel Trim, and Tires

The Design Release Engineer (DRE) for Wheels, Wheel Trim, and Tires is responsible for leading the end-to-end design and release of wheel and tire components, from concept development through vehicle launch. This role requires close coordination with suppliers, design studios, and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure components meet performance, safety, cost, and timing requirements. The DRE also plays a key role in validation testing, issue resolution, and continuous improvement throughout the product development cycle.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead the design, development, and release of wheels, wheel trim, and tire components.

* Collaborate with styling/design studios and suppliers to meet both functional and aesthetic system-level requirements.

* Ensure alignment with program schedules, tracking deliverables using KPIs and Change/Work/Issue (C/W/I) metrics.

* Interface with vehicle integration and packaging teams to ensure proper fit, form, and function.

* Develop and issue source packages and coordinate closely with purchasing teams for sourcing activities.

* Define, coordinate, and execute test plans at the component, subsystem, and vehicle levels to validate performance.

* Support tire product development across assigned vehicle programs.

* Manage tire functional performance targets and conduct benchmarking to assess competitiveness and identify improvements.

* Present program status, technical risks, and action plans to cross-functional teams and leadership.

* Address quality, manufacturing, and service-related concerns during all phases of vehicle development.