Design & Release Engineer - Automotive Body/Exterior

Bartech Staffing; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Impellam Group seeks a Design & Release Engineer for its Dearborn, MI site to own the design, development, validation, and release of automotive body and exterior components. You will lead early development, collaborate with Studio, Program Management, Manufacturing, and STA, and drive improvements from concept through Job 1.

The role requires a Bachelor's in mechanical/automotive systems engineering and 3+ years in automotive exterior engineering, with experience releasing parts throughout the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive/Product/Systems Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in automotive body/exterior systems engineering.
• Experience releasing parts through full product development lifecycle.
• Experience with validation, durability, and functional testing.
• Experience working with suppliers through the Supplier Engagement Process.

Responsibilities

• Own design, development, validation, and release of body/exterior components across assigned vehicle programs.
• Lead early development and feasibility activities with cross-functional teams.
• Meet program cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets.
• Develop ESOW and Engineering Concepts; participate in design reviews.
• Audit and maintain BOMs for prototype builds and post-Job 1 production.
• Coordinate with STA, supplier engagement, and manufacturing during launches.

Job description

We're seeking a Design & Release (D&R) Engineer to join a major automotive manufacturer's Body/Exterior Systems team at the Product Development Center in Dearborn, MI.

Role summary / purpose

In this role, you'll own the design, development, validation, and release of automotive body and exterior components - including fixed glass, wipers/washer systems, badging, appliques, spoilers, running boards, roof rails, and more - across assigned vehicle programs. You'll lead early development and feasibility activities in close collaboration with Studio, Program Management, Manufacturing, and Supplier Technical Assistance (STA), driving continuous improvement in quality, cost, weight, performance, and manufacturability from concept through Job 1 and beyond.

Key responsibilities

• Meet program cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets using the Waterfall process
• Apply GPDS (Global Product Development System) and Robustness Engineering/Failure Mode Avoidance disciplines throughout development
• Develop Engineering Statements of Work (ESOW) and Engineering Concepts (EC)
• Participate in sourcing activities (SOBA, ED&T reviews, cost reviews, CPA)
• Lead and contribute to Technical Design Reviews and cross-functional engineering meetings
• Design, validate, and release parts through AVBOM/FEDE BOM and WERS
• Support Change Control Meetings and worldwide engineering change processes
• Audit and maintain BOMs for prototype builds and post-Job 1 production
• Ensure compliance with WCR, ES, SDS, and regulatory/manufacturing/assembly requirements
• Define validation, durability, and functional testing needs (DVP/eFDVS)
• Apply AIMS root cause analysis, Six Sigma, 8D, and Lean methodologies
• Support plant implementation, engineering sign-off, and quality resolution at assembly plants
• Collaborate with Supplier Technical Assistance throughout the Supplier Engagement Process

Requirements - education & experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline
• 3+ years in automotive body/exterior systems engineering (5+ preferred for senior-level scope)
• Automotive Design & Release experience with body and/or Class A exterior components
• Experience releasing parts through the full automotive product development lifecycle
• Experience with validation, durability, and functional/DVP testing
• Experience supporting manufacturing/assembly plant implementation and quality resolution
• Experience working with suppliers through the Supplier Engagement Process

Required skills

• Proficiency with CAD design tools, Teamcenter, Vismockup, AVBOM/FEDE BOM, and WERS
• Injection-molded part design experience (preferred/required depending on component)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Access, SharePoint)

Nice-to-have / preferred skills

• Familiarity with production part approval processes
• GPDS, Waterfall process, and Robustness Engineering disciplines
• Performance+ methodologies
• Vehicle launch support at domestic/international assembly plants
• VQR, VRT, PVT, PDL revisions, and engineering change control
• APQP, Lean Six Sigma / Green Belt, 8D problem solving
• Master's Degree in Engineering or related technical field

Fully onsite position in Dearborn, MI. Candidates must be able to report on day one; remote-only candidates cannot be considered. May require domestic/international travel to support component manufacturing facilities and vehicle launches.

Equal opportunity statement

Equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Background check and security clearance required.

Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.

If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting [e-mail] or fill out this form to request accommodations.