Product Engineer ​/ Automotive Plastics

Design Release Engineer - Bumper, Fascia, Grille & Exterior Trim

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Design Release Engineer (DRE) to support the development and launch of future vehicle programs involving bumpers, fascias, grilles, and exterior trim systems, with a focus on plastic, chrome, painted, and decorative components.

The Design Release Engineer serves as the primary owner of assigned components throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from concept and design through validation, production launch, and warranty support. Acting as the "CEO" of their parts, the DRE is responsible for managing quality, cost, weight, timing, performance, manufacturability, and supplier execution while coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure successful program delivery. This role requires strong engineering, program management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Lead the design, development, validation, release, and launch of bumper systems, fascias, grilles, and exterior trim components.
• Own component execution from concept through production and service life.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, Bills of Material (BOM), and engineering change documentation.
• Ensure designs meet vehicle styling, functional, manufacturing, quality, cost, and timing requirements.
• Collaborate with Design Studio, CAE, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and Supplier Quality organizations to deliver robust component designs.
• Support engineering change management activities and drive design improvements throughout program development.

• Manage component timing plans and ensure all program milestones are achieved.
• Act as the primary liaison between Automotive OEM, Internal teams, and supplier partners.
• Coordinate prototype builds, validation activities, tooling readiness, and production launch activities.
• Identify program risks proactively and implement mitigation plans.
• Drive resolution of issues impacting quality, cost, performance, or timing.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and communicate program status to leadership and stakeholders.

• Lead Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities and design reviews.
• Support Design Reviews Based on Failure Modes (DRBFM) and Design Reviews Based on Test Results (DRBTR).
• Track validation plans, test results, and issue resolution activities.
• Investigate product concerns and support root cause analysis utilizing systems such as PRTS.
• Implement lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, durability, warranty performance, and customer satisfaction.

• Partner with suppliers to achieve design, quality, and timing objectives.
• Support sourcing activities and supplier technical reviews.
• Ensure components are designed for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA).
• Work closely with manufacturing plants to support prototype builds, launch readiness, and production issue resolution.
• Participate in tool design reviews, manufacturing feasibility assessments, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience in automotive product development, design engineering, or design release engineering.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, plastics, exterior trim systems, and automotive manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and engineering drawing standards.
• Experience using CAD tools such as CATIA, NX (Unigraphics), or similar design software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and drive cross-functional teams toward program objectives.
• Must be authorized to work in the US

• Experience with bumper systems, fascias, grilles, exterior trim, plastic components, decorative chrome applications, or injection-molded products.
• Experience with DFMEA, DRBFM, DRBTR, APQP, and automotive product validation processes.
• Knowledge of GM Global Vehicle Development Process (GVDP) or equivalent automotive product development systems.
• Familiarity with manufacturing, tooling development, injection molding, painting, plating, and assembly processes.
• Experience supporting vehicle launches and supplier quality initiatives.
• Understanding of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies.

• Program ownership mindset with the ability to lead component execution independently.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause investigation skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive decisions across multiple organizations.
• Detail-oriented with strong technical judgment.
• Team player capable of…