Design & Release Engineer (Exterior Trim)

SEGULA Technologies; Toluca; Hybrid; MXN 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

SEGULA Technologies in Toluca is seeking a seasoned Design Release Engineer (Exterior Trim) to own the end-to-end lifecycle from concept to vehicle launch. Hybrid role with 2–3 days on-site to oversee integration and team alignment across functions.

You will define specs, manage test plans, and lead supplier reviews, ensuring aesthetic, functional, financial, and quality targets while collaborating with global teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, or Polymer/Plastics Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Design Release Engineer focused on Exterior Trim or automotive plastic components.
• Deep knowledge of plastic injection molding, material selection (PP, ABS, PC), painting and chroming, and vehicle assembly.
• Proficient in GD&T and 3D CAD data for packaging and design reviews.
• Fluent in English and Spanish (written and spoken) for global collaboration.
• On-site work 2–3 days per week at Toluca facility with occasional travel.

Responsibilities

• Cradle-to-Grave Ownership: design, development, release, and launch of Exterior Trim components.
• Define, manage, and execute product performance specs, test plans (DFMEA, DVP&R), and mechanical requirements.
• Lead technical reviews with Tier 1 suppliers to ensure tooling, processes, and parts readiness meet milestones.
• Collaborate with Design/Styling studios and CAD designers to resolve packaging conflicts for proper integration.
• Lead root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why) for engineering or manufacturing issues during prototype and pre-production.
• Serve as main contact for Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and Assembly Plants.

Skills

Exterior Trim design

GD&T

CAD software (NX/CATIA V5)

Injection molding knowledge

8D & 5-Why problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, or Polymer/Plastics Engineering

Tools

NX

CATIA V5

Job description

We are looking for a seasoned and proactive Design Release Engineer (DRE) for Exterior Trim to join our engineering center in Toluca. In this role, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of exterior trim components from initial concept and virtual design through validation, tooling, and final vehicle launch. You will act as the technical owner, ensuring components meet strict aesthetic, functional, financial, and quality targets. This is a hybrid position, combining the flexibility of remote work with 2-3 days of on-site collaboration at our Toluca facility to oversee physical vehicle integration and team alignments.

Key Responsibilities

• Cradle-to-Grave Ownership: Own the design, development, release, and launch of Exterior Trim components (e.g., bumpers, grilles, spoilers, claddings, moldings, and badging).
• Technical Specifications: Define, manage, and execute product performance specifications, test plans (DFMEA, DVP&R), and mechanical requirements.
• Supplier Management: Lead technical reviews with Tier 1 suppliers to ensure tooling, manufacturing processes (injection molding, painting, chrome plating), and parts readiness meet program milestones.
• CAD & Packaging Alignment: Collaborate with Design/Styling studios and CAD designers to resolve packaging conflicts, ensuring class-A surface feasibility and proper vehicle integration.
• Problem Solving & Issue Resolution: Lead root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why) for any engineering or manufacturing issues identified during prototype and pre-production build phases.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the main point of contact for Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and Assembly Plants to ensure flawless product execution.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, or Polymer/Plastics Engineering.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of proven experience as a Design Release Engineer (DRE) specifically focused on Exterior Trim or complex automotive plastic components.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of plastic injection molding, material selection (PP, ABS, PC), painting/chroming processes, and vehicle assembly methods.
• Engineering Tools: Proficiency in reading/interpreting GD&T, and experience navigating 3D data in CAD software (e.g., NX, CATIA V5) for packaging and design reviews.
• Languages: Professional professional fluency in English and Spanish (written and verbal) is mandatory for collaboration with global engineering centers and suppliers.
• Work Setup: Ability to work on-site at our Toluca office 2-3 days a week, with occasional travel to local assembly plants or suppliers as required.