Design Release Engineer

Actalent; United States; Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Design Release Engineer in Warren, MI to own instrument panel development from concept through launch, focusing on the Cross Car beam and IP structures. You will drive DFSS, CAE validation, and supplier collaboration to meet cost, weight, and quality targets while maintaining rigorous documentation and risk management.

The role requires hands‑on CAD integration, process knowledge, and cross‑functional leadership to deliver on milestones with strong project discipline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, analyze, implement, and validate complex instrument panel and console subsystems.
• Perform engineering design evaluations and concept development across vehicle programs.
• Utilize CAE groups to develop optimal system solutions.
• Assess design-to-manufacturing processes such as injection molding, vibration welding, and vacuum forming.
• Manage CAD development through supplier collaboration and ensure best practices are incorporated.
• Lead launch activities for your program and commodity with a focus on quality and on-time execution.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and psychological safety within the product development team.

Skills

Subsystem ownership

Issue resolution

On-time delivery

DFSS tools

DVP&R development

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

DFSS Green Belt

Tools

CAD workflows

Visualization tools

Release processes

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Project

ICDs

PFMEA

Job description

Design Release Engineer

As an Interior Design Release Engineer (DRE), you will serve as a technical authority in vehicle instrument panels, specifically focusing on the Cross Car beam and other IP structures under the dash. You will lead the engineering, integration, and launch of these systems with a steadfast focus on safety, quality, technical excellence, and flawless execution. Your role will involve driving disciplined delivery to all vehicle development milestones, enabling beautiful design execution, and achieving cost, quality, mass, craftsmanship, and performance targets across the vehicle portfolio. This position requires strong engineering fundamentals, systems thinking, and technical rigor, with hands‑on responsibility for CAD/package integration, supplier collaboration, DFSS excellence, and robust validation from early product definition through launch.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, analyze, implement, and validate complex instrument panel and console subsystems.
• Perform engineering design evaluations and concept development across vehicle programs.
• Utilize engineering tools and leverage CAE groups to develop optimal system solutions.
• Assess design-to-manufacturing processes such as injection molding, vibration welding, and vacuum forming.
• Manage CAD development through supplier collaboration and ensure best practices are incorporated.
• Work cross-functionally to support initial vehicle configuration, cost optimization, and process improvements.
• Balance business imperatives, including cost, part count, mass, complexity, timing, and content.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external customer organizations and lead the product development team.
• Review, support, and apply benchmarking for competitive design direction.
• Lead execution through change management processes to support workstreams and initiatives.
• Support in developing Statements of Requirements and lead in the development of statements of work.
• Lead launch activities for your program and commodity with a focus on quality and on-time execution.
• Contribute to enterprise initiatives such as CAE-driven design, virtual execution, and enhanced supply chain.
• Maintain process discipline through project development with clear documentation and risk management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and psychological safety within the product development team.
• Travel as needed during development, integration, and launch phases.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials or related).
• 810 years of experience in instrument panel, floor console, and decorative trim development.
• Outstanding performance in subsystem ownership, issue resolution, and on-time delivery to milestones.
• Expertise in injection molded trim, foam in place, thermoformed skins, and cut‑and‑sew wrapping.
• Proficiency in component/subsystem design and development, vehicle integration, and design for manufacturability.
• Mastery of DFSS tools, DVP&R development, ICDs, and PFMEA collaboration.
• Strong partnership with CAE to validate robustness and inform design iterations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• DFSS Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred.
• Project management capability; PMI/PMP preferred.
• Experience with CAD workflows, visualization tools, and release processes.
• Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project.
• Experience with interior plastic parts, stamping, welding, metal forming, and cutting.
• Nice to have: RedX, experience with magnesium injection/intrusion, and high‑end vehicle development.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid schedule with office presence required on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, while allowing remote work on Mondays and Fridays. The role involves working in a diverse environment with heavy studio interface and style, encompassing plastic injection molding, chroming, painting, and various materials. The company offers a supportive culture, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The organization prides itself on taking care of its consultants and offering long‑term opportunities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $54.00 - $56.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long‑term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Warren,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.

Equal Opportunity

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

Accommodation

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.