Product Engineer

Job Title:

Product Engineer (Design Release - Exterior Lighting)

Job Description

This Product Engineer (Design Release Engineer) role focuses on coordinating design analysis and product development activities for advanced components and product lines, with a strong emphasis on exterior lighting hardware and plastic injection molded parts. The engineer drives the release of new components, resolves design deficiencies, maintains cost controls, and provides technical direction to support personnel. The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers, and requires continuous engagement with new technologies and engineering best practices.

This opportunity sits at the intersection of design, technology, safety, and brand identity, allowing you to see your work on vehicles in everyday use.

Responsibilities

+ Coordinate design analysis and product development activities for advanced components and product lines, with a primary focus on exterior lighting hardware and related systems.

+ Lead the design release process for new components, ensuring all engineering, quality, and program requirements are met.

+ Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, program management, and manufacturing, to align design intent with project goals and timing.

+ Work with suppliers to develop, refine, and validate exterior lighting and plastic injection molded components.

+ Resolve design deficiencies by identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and updating documentation as needed.

+ Maintain cost controls by considering manufacturability, material selection, and design efficiency throughout the product development lifecycle.

+ Provide technical direction and guidance to support personnel involved in design, testing, and release activities.

+ Utilize engineering tools and systems, such as Teamcenter and other PLM platforms, to manage product data and ensure accurate release documentation.

+ Support new product development initiatives by contributing to concept generation, feasibility assessments, and design optimization.

+ Prepare and deliver clear technical presentations and reports for internal stakeholders and customers.

+ Partner with management to analyze complex issues, propose solutions, and support strategic decision-making.

+ Manage multiple assignments concurrently, ensuring timely completion of tasks and adherence to project schedules.

+ Create and interpret sketches and engineering drawings that communicate design intent and ensure a common understanding among stakeholders.

+ Apply engineering theory, principles of design, and knowledge of materials to develop robust and reliable exterior lighting and plastic components.

Essential Skills

+ Experience in design release engineering, particularly for exterior lighting hardware and related systems.

+ Hands-on experience with new product development, including concept, design, validation, and release phases.

+ Mechanical engineering background with exposure to product engineering in an automotive or similar environment.

+ Knowledge and practical experience with plastic injection molding and plastic component design.

+ Familiarity with Teamcenter or similar product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

+ Program management experience, including coordination of activities across functions and tracking of deliverables.

+ Strong ability to create sketches and engineering drawings that clearly communicate design intent.

+ Solid understanding of materials, engineering theory, and principles of mechanical design.

+ Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

+ Proficiency with email communication tools for professional correspondence.

+ Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively cross-functionally and cross-culturally.

+ Strong written and oral communication skills suitable for meetings and technical presentations.

+ Ability to work well with others and demonstrate strong teamwork skills.

+ Ability to multitask and handle diverse assignments concurrently.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working with exterior lighting systems in an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or tiered supplier environment.

+ Prior exposure to mechanical design and development for automotive or complex mechanical products.

+ Demonstrated ability to partner with management to analyze and solve technical and program issues.

+ Experience resolving design deficiencies and implementing engineering changes in a structured release environment.

+ Familiarity with product engineering best practices and continuous improvement methodologies.

+ Interest in and openness to working with new technologies and evolving engineering practices.

+ A mechanical engineering degree or related engineering education is highly beneficial.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid remote work environment, combining remote work with occasional on-site visits for parts inspection and design reviews. You will work with digital engineering…