Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Lighting Systems

ALTEN Technology USA; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer matching

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid parental leave

Mentorship programs

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a Design Release Engineer to support automotive lighting programs. The role involves leading design release activities for lighting components, ensuring alignment with program timelines and quality targets. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 2-5 years of automotive product development experience. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, and paid parental leave. This position is located in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in automotive product development.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional global teams.
• Strong understanding of vehicle development lifecycle and release processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design release activities for lighting components across the full product lifecycle.
• Develop and manage component requirements, specifications, and validation plans.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for project success.

Skills

Automotive product development

Design Release Engineering

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

DFMEA

DV/PV

CAN/LIN communication systems

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Design Release Engineer (DRE) to support automotive lighting programs. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading the end‑to‑end release and integration of lighting components, ensuring alignment with program timelines, cost, quality, and performance targets. This role requires a strong foundation in automotive product development, with an emphasis on lighting systems, including Smart Lighting Modules and embedded lighting controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design release activities for lighting components across the full product lifecycle.
• Develop and manage component requirements, specifications, and validation plans.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams (design, validation, purchasing, manufacturing, and suppliers).
• Interface with suppliers to ensure technical compliance, timing, and deliverables.
• Manage engineering changes, issue resolution, and risk mitigation.
• Support vehicle integration, build events, and launch activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and quality processes.
• Track and report program status, including timelines, deliverables, and risks.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in automotive product development.
• Experience in Design Release Engineering (DRE) or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of vehicle development lifecycle and release processes.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross‑functional global teams.
• Strong communication, coordination, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive lighting systems, body electronics, or embedded modules.
• Familiarity with vehicle integration, validation, and launch processes.
• Knowledge of DFMEA, DV/PV, and engineering change management processes.
• Exposure to CAN/LIN communication systems is a plus.
• Experience in developing or supporting:
  • LED driver modules
  • BCM‑controlled lighting
  • Ambient or architectural lighting systems
• Hands‑on knowledge of LED control concepts, including:
  • Current regulation
  • Thermal management and derating
  • RGB/RGBW color mixing
  • Lighting animations and effects
• Understanding of embedded control systems in automotive applications.
• Ownership and accountability
• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Analytical thinking and problem‑solving
• Strong organizational and program management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, global environment

We offer comprehensive benefits for all full‑time employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; paid time off (PTO); paid parental leave; and mentorship to help you take your career to the next level.

ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

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