BIW Battery Tray DRE Job Auburn Hills area,Michigan USA,Engineering

Design Release Engineer (DRE)

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated Design Release Engineer (DRE) to join our automotive engineering team, focusing on BIW Battery Trays including housings, top & bottom covers, sealing/welding, machining, brackets, as well as applicable technologies such as stampings, castings, extrusions, and composites. The Engineer will be responsible for the components / system from initial design development, kick-off release, to validation, and through vehicle launch, ensuring they meet vehicle performance, durability, cost, and manufacturing requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Own and manage the design, development, and release of battery tray structural components/system (e.g., housings, top/bottom covers, brackets, machining, sealing, welding, fasteners)
Support cross-functional design integration / packaging between battery tray systems and adjacent parts such as electrical, battery module, thermal, and chassis components
Operate effectively in an advanced, fast-paced, and fluid environment where requirements may evolve; demonstrate self-motivation and initiative as a true self-starter—proactively ask questions, seek clarity, and drive progress even when all details are not fully defined.
Validate 2D drawings and analyze 3D CAD models using NX and/or Vis Mockup and ensure the Engineering Best Practices (EDP) are met. Must be able to cut sections and provide measurements in the 3D CAD
Work with external suppliers or internal manufacturing teams to ensure manufacturability, cost, and material performance meet project milestones and vehicle functional objectives
Support CAD modeling, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), and other design validation methods to ensure structural integrity and compliance with standards
Manage component release in PLM systems and processes (Teamcenter, WebCN, FastCar2, PPAP, etc.), including BoM creation and updates
Create Source Package technical documentation and manage technical reviews with the suppliers and internal Stellantis teams
Define and track engineering validation plans (DVP&R, DFMEA, PFMEA) and coordinate physical testing
Provide onsite plant launch support, as required, to triage, root cause, and establish corrective actions to address assembly, build variation, or any other open issues or launch gating issues - B-sample, C-sample, X0, X1, X2, X3, SOP milestones
Ensure designs comply with internal standards, vehicle performance targets, and regulatory requirements
Communicate project status, risks, and deliverables to stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and quality teams
Participate in the development of testing strategies for structural components, including vibration, crash, and thermal testing

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive BIW / Battery Tray system development or related area
Proficient in CAD software (Teamcenter, NX, Vis Pro) and PLM systems
Strong knowledge of structural components, material selection, and related manufacturing processes (aluminum/steel stampings, aluminum castings, machining, composites, sealing/welding, etc.)
Familiarity with GD&T, DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance stack up, and relevant automotive validation testing (safety, durability, NVH, thermal, leak testing, etc.)
Excellent problem-solving and project management skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Experience with FCA release systems
Demonstrated automotive interest (via hobbies or college project)
Self-motivated individual
Demonstrated passion to work in the automotive industry

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in engineering or related technical field
Experience working directly with OEM, Tier 1 relevant suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams
Experience with robust design such as DFSS
Knowledge of global automotive standards and structural performance requirements
Understanding of thermal expansion, body tolerances, and design for assembly in relation to battery tray or BIW systems
Hands-on experience with vehicle builds and plant launch activities

Travel:

Occasional travel required to supplier sites, test labs, proving grounds and manufacturing facilities. Some travel to manufacturing facilities outside U.S. in Canada and Mexico may be required