BFG DRE

Job Title:

BFG Design Release Engineer (Mechanical)

Job Description

This role supports future automotive programs as a Design Release Engineer, taking assigned bumper, fascia, grille, and exterior trim components through the full product development lifecycle from initial design through production and warranty. You will act as the program owner for your parts, coordinating quality, timing, and development milestones while driving cross-functional alignment and change across the organization and supply base.

The position focuses primarily on plastic and chrome exterior components and requires strong mechanical engineering, program management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

+ Own the complete product development lifecycle for assigned bumper, fascia, grille, and exterior trim components from concept through production and warranty.

+ Act as the program manager for assigned parts, ensuring quality, timing, cost, and development milestones are achieved.

+ Research, design, develop, manufacture, and test mechanical components, tools, and systems related to exterior body parts.

+ Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, and manuals to determine technical feasibility, timing, and cost for completing projects.

+ Investigate equipment or component failures and operational issues, diagnose root causes, and recommend corrective actions to relevant teams.

+ Collaborate closely with suppliers and internal teams, maintaining regular communication to resolve issues and drive progress.

+ Assist drafters and designers in developing the structural and mechanical design of products using appropriate tools, equipment, and software.

+ Create and review engineering drawings, sketches, and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards.

+ Interpret and apply information from blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports to guide design and development.

+ Support new product development and body engineering initiatives, particularly for exterior plastic and body components.

+ Use program management skills to coordinate cross-functional activities, manage risks, and drive timely issue resolution.

+ Participate in on-site work at supplier locations as needed to support development, validation, and launch activities.

+ Ensure that all assigned components meet performance, durability, safety, and regulatory requirements throughout the development process.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in engineering (not engineering technology) is required.

+ 5-7 years of experience in engineering, program management, new product development, or design release engineering.

+ Experience in automotive body engineering or product engineering, particularly with exterior components.

+

Experience with bumpers, fascia, grilles, or exterior trim components; at least 3 years of experience in these areas is preferred.

+ Strong program management skills with the ability to drive change across multiple groups and suppliers.

+ Proficiency with design and mechanical engineering tools and concepts, including mechanical design of plastic and chrome parts.

+ Ability to create sketches and engineering drawings and perform common engineering computations.

+ Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated engineering reports.

+ Previous experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software or similar engineering applications.

+ Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities applied to mechanical and product engineering challenges.

+ Effective verbal and written communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and suppliers.

+ Demonstrated ability to work as a team player with strong attention to detail.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with exterior plastic components and chrome trim in an automotive environment.

+ Hands-on experience with automotive body components beyond bumpers, fascia, and grilles is considered an asset.

+ Experience in mechanical engineering focused on body structures, exterior trim, or related commodities.

+ Proficiency with Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting.

+ Familiarity with design software and tools used in mechanical and product engineering.

+ Experience working within large engineering organizations and managing multiple programs or commodities.

+ Interest in learning new technologies and software tools and expanding into different technical areas and skill sets.

Work Environment

This is a first-shift role, with typical working hours generally between 8:00 a.m. and standard business close. The position follows a hybrid schedule, with in-office work typically on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and remote work on other days as applicable. You will work within a larger engineering group of approximately 80 engineers, each responsible for different programs and commodities, providing a collaborative and technically rich environment.

Some travel is required, generally up to 10% overnight, including visits…