Design and Release Engineer - Closures

SEGULA Technologies; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SEGULA Technologies in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a Closure Design Release Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and validation of automotive closure systems from concept through production launch.

The role requires strong CAD/PLM skills (CATIA V5/V6 or NX, Teamcenter/Enovia), experience with closure kinematics and sealing design, and DFMEA/GD&T/Six Sigma knowledge, with 3+ years in vehicle closures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering.
• 3+ years of automotive engineering experience dedicated to vehicle closure systems as a Design Release Engineer.
• Proficient in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX, with PLM environments like Teamcenter or Enovia.
• Solid understanding of closure kinematics, stamping/joining processes, and sealing design.
• Knowledge of DFMEA, GD&T, and Six Sigma quality practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead 3D/2D CAD development for closure assemblies, including panels, hinges, latches, and sealing systems.
• Coordinate with Styling, BIW, Vehicle Integration, Ergonomics, and Manufacturing for packaging and clearance.
• Define and execute DVP&R for sealing, water ingress, air leakage, slam durability, crash safety, and effort-to-close.
• Analyze warranty, pre-production build, and assembly plant issues using 8D and 5-Why methodologies.
• Manage Tier-1 supplier design deliverables, tool timing, and PPAP approvals.

Skills

3+ years automotive engineering

Closure kinematics

DFMEA, GD&T, Six Sigma

CAD/PLM proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Automotive/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Siemens NX

Teamcenter/Enovia

Job description

Position Overview

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).

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience: 3+ 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: Experience with electric vehicle lightweight closure structures (aluminum, composite panels, frameless doors).
• Mechatronics & Powered Closures: Familiarity with powered closure systems (power liftgates, automated door actuation, electronic latches).
• Launch & Production Support: Pre-production build and assembly plant launch support experience.

SEGULA Technologies is a global engineering group, boosting the competitiveness of all major industrial sectors: automotive, aerospace, energy, rail, naval, life sciences, and telecoms. With a presence in more than 30 countries and 140 locations worldwide, the Group prioritizes close relationships with its clients, driven by the expertise of its 15,000 employees. As a leading engineering player putting innovation at the heart of its strategy, SEGULA Technologies manages large-scale projects, ranging from initial studies to industrialization and production. SEGULA TECHNOLOGIES is dedicated to gender balance and diversity, recognizing and recruiting talent of all backgrounds.