Automotive Glazing Design Release Engineer

Carlex Glass Manufacturing; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Carlex is seeking a Design Release Engineer to own the design, development, implementation, and analysis of fixed and door glass systems, coordinating with GM and other cross-functional teams. The role covers program launch through maintenance and requires strong CAD/GD&T expertise.

You will lead DFMEA sessions, negotiate tolerances with OEMs, and drive PDT meetings at OEM sites and in-house. On-site work across OEM facilities and glass plants is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Design/Engineering.
• 5+ years in automotive product design with GD&T using CAD tools (Unigraphics required; CATIA is a plus).
• Experience with General Motors design and engineering release systems.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end development of fixed and door glass systems, modeling full-solid CAD and integrating with surrounding components.
• Lead DFMEA/Design Review sessions and document findings for program teams and OEM stakeholders.
• Negotiate specifications, tolerances, and design proposals with OEM customers.
• Lead Product Development Team (PDT) meetings at OEM locations and internally with Program Management support.
• Act as technical liaison between Carlex manufacturing, suppliers, and OEM customers.

Skills

GD&T knowledge

CAD tools experience

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Design/Engineering

Tools

Unigraphics

CATIA

Teamcenter

Job description

About the rolePicture a typical week: on Monday you’re at a GM site aligning release timing with cross-functional partners; midweek you’re deep in CAD, building full-solid models; by Friday you’re on the plant floor supporting prototype glass runs and preparing for an OEM design review. As a Design Release Engineer at Carlex, you’ll own the design, development, implementation, and analysis of fixed glass and door glass systems, making sure everything aligns with Carlex and OEM best practices.What you’ll buildEnd-to-end development of fixed and door glass systems, modeling full-solid CAD (Math), and integrating with interfacing commodities like sheet metal, interior trim, and electrical.Data packages that meet release quality: authorize 2D and 3D data produced by designers for assemblies and components.How you’ll leadServe as Carlex’s SI3 DRE at General Motors, directing and coordinating engineering and design activities.Guide assigned programs from SOR award through Program Launch and into maintenance.Plan and facilitate DFMEA/Design Review sessions, documenting findings for program teams, OEM stakeholders, and internal cross-functional team members.Negotiate specifications, tolerances, and alternative design proposals with OEM customers.Lead Product Development Team (PDT) meetings at OEM locations and internally with Program Management support.Where you’ll make an impactOn-site at OEM facilities, off-site design centers, OEM-designated test facilities, vehicle assembly plants, and other locations critical to hitting program milestones.Prototyping support across glass plants, value-add operations, and component suppliers.Pre-production and production build support at OEM facilities.Act as technical liaison between Carlex manufacturing, suppliers, and OEM customers.QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Design/Engineering.Experience5+ years in automotive products; glazing experience is a plus.5+ years in automotive product design with GD&T using CAD tools (Unigraphics required; CATIA is a plus).Experience with major automotive OEMs is a plus.Teamcenter exposure is a plus.Other requirementsExperience with General Motors design and engineering release systems.Valid driver’s license for business travel; reliable transportation.Regular, predictable attendance; willingness to work beyond 40 hours, including some weekends/holidays as needed to meet deliverables.Key competenciesAdvanced/Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.Hands-on problem solver with strong analytical capability.Collaborative team player who quickly builds common ground and resolves issues.High ownership, strong work ethic, and excellent written/verbal communication.Alignment with Carlex values: Safety, Customer Focused, Teamwork, Excellence, and Trust.Other Requirements:Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.