Design & Release Engineer – Automotive Closures & Mechanisms

Job Description

Optimized Job Title

We are seeking a Design & Release Engineer to support the design, development, validation, release, and implementation of automotive handles, locks, and mechanisms for vehicle closures, including hoods, frunks, side doors, tailgates, liftgates, and decklids.

The engineer will lead system design and development, supplier coordination, technical reviews, engineering releases, validation activities, and production support. The role will also focus on improving quality while optimizing cost and weight throughout product development and production.

This is a fully onsite position based in Dearborn, Michigan, with occasional travel to suppliers, test facilities, and manufacturing plants as required.

• Lead HLM system design and design development to deliver requirements, design rules, regulatory, and functional deliverables.
• Manage and lead suppliers to achieve cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets.
• Understand the Global Product Development System (GPDS) and create plans to deliver engineering activities on time.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop robust vehicle-level systems and evaluate HLM component interfaces.
• Create and present technical presentations for peer and management reviews.
• Perform, review, and sign off technical analyses and packaging studies, including dimensional stack-ups, GD&T layouts, CAE analysis, dynamic calculations, and simulations.
• Participate in Technical Design Reviews.
• Release and update parts, BOMs, engineering changes, and effectivity throughout the product lifecycle.
• Review and sign off CAD in Teamcenter.
• Compile, document, sign off, and present evidence of compliance with applicable design rules and requirements.
• Develop HLM system documents, including DFMEAs, SCCAFs, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, and DVP&Rs.
• Lead design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.
• Develop Engineering Statements of Work (ESOW) and Engineering Concepts (EC), and participate in sourcing activities.
• Identify required validation, durability, and functional testing based on applicable requirements.
• Address technical issues through root cause analysis, including 8D and 3x5 Why methodologies, and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Apply Six Sigma principles and data-driven problem-solving methods.
• Define and verify engineering prototype requirements at the part level.
• Support parts implementation and sign-off at assembly plants and assist with quality issues throughout program milestones.
• Review the impact of product development revisions and proceed accordingly when affected.
• Collaborate with Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) teams through the Supplier Engagement Process.
• Lead HLM system activities during vehicle launches at supplier, assembly, and manufacturing plants.
• Support product development from concept and validation through launch and production improvement.
• Manage product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis.
• Facilitate supplier data integration and develop CAD studies to support design improvements.
• Support phased PPAP, supplier process readiness, production approval, and launch closure.
• Use Vis Mockup and digital mockup tools to verify packaging, clearances, assembly access, and mechanism motion.
• Create and maintain part releases, BOM data, engineering changes, and effectivity in WERS.
• Complete accurate and timely releases of parts, drawings, specifications, BOMs, and revisions.
• Travel to supplier manufacturing and testing sites when required.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 2+ years of engineering experience in the design, development, or launch of automotive mechanisms. Experience may include internships and coursework.
• Experience with automotive latching systems, such as side-door latching, tailgate/liftgate latches, or related latching systems; automotive product engineering or design release engineering; body closure systems; seat mechanisms or seat structures; farming or oil drilling mechanism product design; aircraft landing gear mechanisms; or heavy construction mechanisms.
• CAD capability using tools such as CATIA, 3DX, or Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with CAE tools and software.
• Ability to manage product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple issues effectively and…