Automotive Exterior Design & Release Engineer

Optimal; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal in Dearborn, MI seeks an experienced D&R Engineer to design, validate, and release automotive body and exterior systems across vehicle programs. You will lead early development, feasibility studies, and cross-functional design activities with Studio, Program Management, Manufacturing, STA, and other teams to drive quality, cost, weight, performance, and timing improvements.

The role requires ensuring compliance with ES, SDS, and regulatory requirements, managing prototypes and

Qualifications

• 3+ years in automotive body/exterior systems development in an engineering role.
• Design & Release experience with body and/or Class A exterior components.
• Experience with CAD design and automotive component development.

Responsibilities

• Meet program cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets using the Waterfall process.
• Apply GPDS to create engineering plans and deliver program requirements on time.
• Apply Robustness Engineering and Failure Mode Avoidance throughout development.
• Develop ESOWs and Engineering Concepts.
• Participate in sourcing activities including SOBA, ED&T reviews, cost reviews, and CPA.
• Contribute to Technical Design Reviews and cross-functional engineering meetings.
• Design, develop, validate, and release parts through AVBOM/FEDE BOM and WERS.
• Support Change Control Meetings and worldwide engineering change processes.
• Audit and maintain BOMs with correct part levels for prototype builds and production.
• Ensure designs comply with WCR, ES, SDS, regulatory and manufacturing requirements.
• Identify validation, durability, and testing needs using DVP/eFDVS.
• Leverage AIMS root cause analysis to identify issues and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Apply Six Sigma, 8D, Lean in problem-solving.
• Support parts implementation and engineering sign-off at assembly plants.
• Review PDL revisions and determine appropriate engineering actions.
• Support VQRs, VRTs, and PVT activities as required.
• Collaborate with STA and suppliers through Supplier Engagement Process.
• Resolve technical issues with cross-functional teams to meet program objectives.

Skills

CAD design

Automotive exterior systems

APQP

Lean Six Sigma

8D Problem Solving

Release Engineering

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Teamcenter

VisMockup

AVBOM/FEDE BOM

WERS

Job description

Optimal in Dearborn, MI seeks an experienced D&R Engineer to design, validate, and release automotive body and exterior systems across vehicle programs. You will lead early development, feasibility studies, and cross-functional design activities with Studio, Program Management, Manufacturing, STA, and other teams to drive quality, cost, weight, performance, and timing improvements.

The role requires ensuring compliance with ES, SDS, and regulatory requirements, managing prototypes and