Design Release Engineer

Job Title:

Design Release Engineer

Job Description

The Design Release Engineer leads the design, release, and validation of advanced product components and interior systems, with a focus on overhead and hard trim plastic injection parts. This role coordinates cross-functional engineering projects, manages supplier and customer interactions, and ensures that designs meet performance, quality, cost, and timing objectives. The engineer applies strong technical expertise in design, testing, and analysis while collaborating closely with senior management and diverse teams in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

* Coordinate design analysis and development processes for advanced product components and interior systems, including overhead systems and hard trim plastic injection parts.

* Release advanced product components and product lines, ensuring all design documentation, specifications, and data are accurate and complete.

* Diagnose and correct design and process deficiencies by performing analysis, testing, and root cause investigations.

* Maintain cost controls by monitoring design decisions, material selections, and manufacturing implications to support cost-effective solutions.

* Provide clear technical direction and guidance to support personnel and cross-functional team members throughout the product development lifecycle.

* Coordinate supportive build programs, including prototype and pre-production builds, ensuring parts and designs are ready on time and meet requirements.

* Plan and coordinate test and development programs, including DVSS and other validation activities, to ensure product performance and quality targets are met.

* Coordinate engineering projects with other departments and divisions to ensure alignment on design, manufacturing, quality, and timing.

* Engage regularly with suppliers and customers to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and ensure that released designs meet expectations and standards.

* Stay current with new technologies, materials, and design methods, and apply this knowledge to improve product design and development processes.

* Create and review sketches, engineering drawings, and related documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with engineering standards.

* Use common measurement tools and techniques to verify parts and assemblies during builds, inspections, and validation activities.

* Utilize basic hand and machine tools as needed to support parts inspection, fit checks, and problem-solving activities.

* Partner with senior management to analyze complex issues, develop solutions, and support strategic decisions related to design and release.

* Manage multiple assignments concurrently, prioritizing tasks and delivering high-quality work within established timelines.

* Participate in and deliver effective presentations and meetings, communicating technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Essential Skills

* Intermediate proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

* Intermediate proficiency with Lotus Notes or other email communication tools.

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

* Strong written and oral communication skills suitable for meetings and presentations.

* Demonstrated ability to work well with others and exhibit strong teamwork skills.

* Ability to partner with senior management to analyze and solve technical and organizational issues.

* Ability to multitask and handle diverse assignments concurrently while maintaining quality and accuracy.

* Strong ability to create sketches and engineering drawings and perform common engineering computations.

* Strong understanding of materials, engineering theory, and principles of design.

* Familiarity with basic hand and machine tools used in engineering and manufacturing environments.

* Strong ability to use common measurement tools and techniques for inspection and verification.

* Position-related experience of approximately 7 years in a relevant engineering role.

* Relevant automotive industry experience at an entry level (less than 1 year).

* Past experience with a major automotive…