Design Release Engineer (Engine Components)

ALTEN Technology USA; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer matching

Paid time off (PTO)

Parental leave

Mentorship and career growth

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA seeks a hands-on Design Release Engineer (DRE) for Engine Components to lead the design, development, validation, and release of automotive engine components and related systems. The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering foundation and hands-on experience with engine components or fuel systems.

You will collaborate across product engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and quality, perform root cause analysis, and maintain DVP&R documentation to support product

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Chemical Engineering.
• Experience with automotive engine components or fuel systems.
• Understanding of internal combustion engine operation (four-stroke).
• Experience with root cause analysis and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with DVP&R documentation and validation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and release of engine components.
• Support engine hardware testing and validation activities.
• Review drawings, specs, and requirements for compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including suppliers and quality.
• Perform root cause analysis for component failures.
• Develop and maintain DVP&R documentation.
• Coordinate with suppliers to meet milestones.
• Participate in design reviews and ECN processes.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company that provides solutions for engineering, technology, and product development projects. For decades, we’ve been helping our clients develop products that are changing the world, whether that’s by shaping the future of space exploration, saving lives with medical devices that set a new standard of care, or creating the fully autonomous electric taxi of tomorrow. Our team of more than 600 people works across industries including aerospace, medical devices and life sciences, unmanned systems and robotics, automotive OEM and tier 1 suppliers, commercial vehicle, electric vehicles, rail, and more. Our offices across the US have different industry focuses and engage with our clients in different ways, ranging from working on-site at client facilities to performing product development at our delivery centers.

ALTEN Group, our parent company, has been a leader in engineering and information technology for more than 30 years. ALTEN Group operates in 30 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and employs more than 36,000 people, 88% of whom are engineers. The company covers the whole development cycle and offers a choice of service levels, from technology consulting to complete project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you join a group of people passionate about collaborating to solve some of the world’s most technical engineering challenges. Our success is tied to taking care of our employees by building relationships and providing opportunities for mentorship and career growth. 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. You don’t have to take our word for it that we are a great place to work—we were named on the 2023 Top Workplaces list thanks to feedback from our proud employees.

Position Summary

We are seeking a technically driven Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Engine Components to support the design, development, validation, and release of automotive engine components and related systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering foundation, hands‑on experience with engine components or fuel systems, and a genuine passion for automotive engineering.

Candidates with experience in components such as spark plugs, fuel lines, fuel injection pumps, and other engine‑related hardware are encouraged to apply. The role requires strong problem‑solving skills, root cause analysis capabilities, and familiarity with Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R) processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and release of assigned engine components and related automotive systems.
• Support component engineering activities involving engine hardware, including fuel lines, spark plugs, fuel injection pumps, and related mechanical components.
• Review component designs, engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements to ensure compliance with performance, durability, safety, and manufacturing standards.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including product engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, quality, testing, and validation.
• Perform root cause analysis for component failures and engineering issues using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Develop, maintain, and review DVP&R documentation to support component validation and product release.
• Support component testing, design validation, failure investigations, and corrective action implementation.
• Evaluate component performance characteristics and understand their impact on engine operation, fuel delivery, efficiency, and reliability.
• Participate in design reviews, engineering change management, and production issue resolution.
• Work with suppliers to resolve technical concerns and ensure components meet engineering specifications and program milestones.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience in automotive engineering, engine components, fuel systems, mechanical product design, or component development.
• Basic to strong understanding of internal combustion engine operation, including the four‑stroke cycle: intake, compression, power, and exhaust.
• Familiarity with engine components such as spark plugs, fuel lines, fuel injectors, injection pumps, or related hardware.
• Experience with root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and structured problem‑solving techniques.
• Familiarity with DVP&R documentation, component testing, and design validation processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and component performance requirements.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Genuine interest in automotive technology, vehicles, engines, and mechanical components.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Design Release Engineer (DRE), Component Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, or Product Development Engineer in the automotive industry.
• Experience supporting engine development, fuel delivery systems, combustion‑related components, or powertrain hardware.
• Knowledge of automotive design standards, engineering change processes, supplier management, and production launch activities.
• Experience with tools and methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, FMEA, 8D, and other root cause analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with DVP&R execution, validation testing, durability testing, and failure analysis.
• Experience working in cold‑weather environments or supporting winter testing and vehicle validation.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on, mechanically oriented engineer who enjoys understanding how engines and automotive components work. Candidates should be able to explain fundamental engine principles, discuss fuel system operation and performance characteristics, and provide practical examples of troubleshooting and root cause analysis.

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate a genuine passion for cars, engines, powertrain components, and automotive technology, along with the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to real‑world product development challenges.

• Candidates must also be comfortable working in a region with cold winters and adapting to seasonal weather conditions.

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.