Closure DRE

SEGULA Technologies; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Closure Design Release Engineer at SEGULA Technologies leads the design, development, integration, and validation of automotive closure systems from concept through production launch, ensuring compliance with structural, ergonomic, safety, NVH, and quality standards.

You will own CAD/PLM development for closures, coordinate with BIW, Ergonomics, and Manufacturing, define DVP&R for sealing, water ingress, and slam durability, perform 8D/5-Why wound analysis for issues, and manage Tier-1

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years in automotive engineering focused on vehicle closure systems.
• Proficient in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX and PLM environments.
• Knowledge of closure kinematics, joining processes, and sealing design.
• Experience with DFMEA, GD&T and 6-Sigma quality practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead 3D/2D CAD development for closure assemblies and components.
• Coordinate with Styling, BIW, Vehicle Integration, Ergonomics, and Manufacturing.
• Define and execute DVP&R for sealing, water ingress, and slam durability.
• Analyze warranty and pre-production issues using 8D and 5-Why methods.
• Manage Tier-1 supplier deliverables, tooling timing, and PPAP readiness.

Skills

Closure design

DVP&R knowledge

DFMEA

GD&T

6-Sigma

Problem solving

Education

B.S. in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Enovia

Job description

The Closure Design Release Engineer (DRE) leads the design, development, integration, and validation of automotive closure systems (doors, hood, tailgate/liftgate, trunk lid, side doors, and sealing/latching systems). This role spans concept creation through production launch, ensuring full compliance with structural, ergonomic, safety, NVH, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Integration: Lead 3D/2D CAD development for closure assemblies, including metal/composite panels, hinges, latches, drop glass mechanisms, and sealing systems.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Coordinate with Styling, Body-in-White (BIW), Vehicle Integration, Ergonomics, and Manufacturing to align functional packaging and vehicle clearance.
• Validation & Testing: Define and execute DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) for sealing, water ingress, air leakage, slam durability, crash safety, and operational effort (effort-to-close).
• Root Cause & Issue Resolution: Analyze warranty, pre-production build, and assembly plant issues (gap and flush, wind noise, water leaks) using 8D and 5-Why methodologies.
• Supplier & Tooling Management: Manage Tier-1 supplier design deliverables, tool timing, DFM/DFA feasibility, and part approvals (PPAP).

Profile

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience: 5+ years of automotive engineering experience dedicated to vehicle closure systems as a Design Release Engineer.
• CAD/PLM Proficiency: Proficient in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX, along with PLM environments like Teamcenter or Enovia.
• Technical Mastery: Solid understanding of closure kinematics, stamping/joining processes (spot welding, hem flanging, structural adhesives), and sealing design.
• Quality & Engineering Tools: Practical knowledge of DFMEA, GD&T, 6-Sigma quality practices, and problem-solving protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• EV Lightweight Structures: Expertise with electric vehicle lightweight closure structures (aluminum, composite panels, frameless doors).
• Mechatronics & Powered Closures: Expertise with powered closure systems (power liftgates, automated door actuation, electronic latches).
• Launch & Production Support: Pre-production build and assembly plant launch support experience.