Design and Release Engineer - Underbody

SEGULA Technologies; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

SEGULA Technologies in the United States is seeking a Design Release Engineer (Underbody) to own the end-to-end design, development, validation, and production release of structural components beneath the vehicle cabin floor.

You will lead lifecycle management for floor pans, frame rails, crossmembers and heat shields, partner with CAD to meet tight clearances, and collaborate with suppliers from prototype to SOP while applying DFM and DVP&R.

Qualifications

• Experience leading end-to-end design release of structural automotive components.
• Hands-on knowledge of AHSS, aluminum, composites and joining methods.
• Familiarity with DVP&R, DFMEA, PPAP and APQP processes.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end design release for underbody components.
• Collaborate with CAD and packaging teams to ensure fit and manufacturability.
• Manage Tier-1 suppliers from prototype to SOP with a focus on DFM across materials.
• Lead testing plans including DVP&R, corrosion, durability, and fatigue.

Skills

Lifecycle management

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Siemens NX

Job description

Position Overview

The Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Underbody takes full ownership of the end-to-end design, development, validation, and production release of structural, mechanical, and protective components located beneath the vehicle cabin floor.

Core Responsibilities

• Component Ownership: Lead engineering lifecycle management for floor pans, frame rails, crossmembers, torque boxes, heat shields, EV battery enclosures, aero panels, and splash guards.
• CAD & Packaging: Partner with CAD designers to package components within tight clearance envelopes, avoiding interference with exhaust, suspension, high-voltage routing, and powertrain systems.
• Structural Performance: Collaborate with FEA teams to optimize parts for crashworthiness (side-impact, pole, underbody strike), NVH, and structural durability.
• Supplier & Manufacturing Management: Direct Tier-1 suppliers from prototype phase through Start of Production (SOP), ensuring Design for Manufacturability (DFM) across sheet metal, extrusions, and composite structures.
• Testing & Validation: Define and execute the Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R), overseeing gravel impact, salt spray corrosion, thermal durability, and fatigue testing.

Qualifications & Technical Skills

• CAD Systems: Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX.
• Materials & Joining: Hands-on experience with Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS), aluminum alloys, composite shielding, spot welding, structural adhesives, SPR, and standard automotive fasteners.
• Manufacturing Processes: Deep understanding of stamping, extrusion, compression molding, surface coating/e-coat, and corrosion mitigation.
• Quality & Engineering Standards: Direct experience applying DFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, APQP, and PPAP frameworks.

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.