Powertrain Design Release Engineer -Sr

Position: Powertrain Design Release Engineer -Sr.
Job Title:

Senior Design Release Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Design Release Engineer leads design and release engineering activities for internal combustion engine components and systems, with a strong focus on powertrain subsystems such as base engine, exhaust/after-treatment, turbochargers and air induction, thermal systems, and fuel, ignition, and evaporative emissions systems. This role owns the full design release process, from concept and validation planning through supplier coordination, change management, and launch support, ensuring that all designs meet performance, quality, cost, emissions, and timing targets.

Responsibilities

* Perform design and release engineering activities at both component and system level for internal combustion engine and powertrain subsystems.

* Own the engine subsystem design release process using OEM PLM systems (such as Teamcenter), ensuring accurate and timely release of all design data.

* Follow the Design Change Checklist for each part to determine required design validation (DV) and production validation (PV) testing.

* Develop and maintain DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) for engine systems and components.

* Execute CAD and CAE updates as required to support design changes, optimization, and issue resolution.

* Create, approve, and maintain drawings, bills of material (BOMs), part numbers, and configuration content for assigned components and subsystems.

* Support and maintain the engine BOM, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and proper configuration control across programs.

* Perform WERS release activities and actively participate in change control processes.

* Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), ensuring that all changes are properly documented, reviewed, and implemented.

* Evaluate and communicate the impact of design changes on cost, quality, emissions, and program timing.

* Create and maintain detailed development work plans that align with overall program timing and milestones.

* Lead validation activities for assigned engine subsystems, including planning, coordination, and review of test results.

* Lead APQP activities for engine subsystems, including DFMEA, PFMEA, SCAAFS, control plans, and related deliverables.

* Support DV and PV testing, including durability, thermal, NVH, performance, and emissions testing, and ensure that test plans align with DVP&R requirements.

* Coordinate prototype, mule, and pre-production engine builds, ensuring that parts, designs, and documentation are ready to support build events.

* Support PPAP readiness and launch activities, ensuring that supplier and internal deliverables are complete and meet requirements.

* Manage new supplier interactions for assigned components and subsystems, in collaboration with the STA (Supplier Technical Assistance) team, to ensure technical alignment and quality.

* Move multiple parts across various engine platforms to alternative suppliers while maintaining design intent, quality, and timing.

* Ensure that supplier designs and deliverables meet OEM expectations, standards, and technical requirements.

* Ensure quality, compliance, and risk management are embedded in all design and release activities, and proactively identify and mitigate technical risks.

Essential Skills

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or a related engineering field.

* 7+ years of internal combustion engine development experience.

* Prior experience in design release or technical leadership roles for engine or powertrain systems.

* Strong knowledge of engine systems, including base engine, exhaust/after-treatment, turbochargers and air induction, thermal systems, and fuel, ignition, and evaporative emissions systems.

* Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes relevant to engine and powertrain components.

* Proficiency with CAD tools, specifically CATIA.

* Proficiency with PLM tools, such as Teamcenter.

* Hands-on experience with design release processes and tools within an OEM environment.

* Experience with WERS release activities and related design and quality reviews.

* Demonstrated experience with APQP, including DFMEA, PFMEA, SCAAFS, control plans, and product launch support.

* Experience with PPAP processes and requirements.

* Experience developing and managing DVP&R for complex systems and components.

* Ability to ensure supplier designs meet OEM technical expectations and program requirements.

* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

* Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, supplier, and launch teams.

* OEM (Ford) experience in engine or powertrain design and release.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Experience with internal combustion engine development in both component and system-level roles.

* Experience in managing multiple parts across various engine platforms and coordinating transitions to alternative suppliers.

* Familiarity with change management processes,…