Design Release Engineer - SLM (Smart Lighting Module)

ALTEN Technology USA; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a Design Release Engineer for the Smart Lighting Module (SLM) to drive end-to-end development, validation and production release of smart lighting electronics in automotive programs such as Stellantis. The role bridges electrical, mechanical, and lighting technologies.

You will work across PDO/Studio, Body Engineering, and PASD, overseeing CAD data, DFMEA, DFSS, and regulatory compliance while coordinating with suppliers to meet launch milestones in Auburn Hills,

Qualifications

• 3+ years of automotive engineering development experience.
• Experience with exterior/interior lighting systems.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design & Packaging: Author initial design concepts and manage component packaging studies.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Coordinate with PDO/Studio, Body Engineering, and PASD networks to integrate constraints.
• Release & Data Management: Own the data lifecycle in PLM ecosystems; manage CAD data and release docs using NX/CATIA/Teamcenter.
• Quality & Validation Methodologies: Develop and update design DFMEA and DVP&R frameworks; oversee tests at component, system, and vehicle level.
• Supplier Management: Lead supplier engineering activities and support SOR development and technical quotes.
• Issue Resolution: Diagnose root-cause failure mechanisms during pilot builds, launches, or warranty analyses.

Skills

Automotive experience

Lighting systems

Mechatronics

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Mechatronics

BS in Optical Engineering

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

CATIA

Job description

Design Release Engineer - SLM (Smart Lighting Module)

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life‑saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

The Smart Lighting Module (SLM) Design Release Engineer (DRE) role at Stellantis (typically based in Auburn Hills, Michigan) is a multi‑disciplinary automotive engineering position. This role bridges mechanical design, electrical/electronic module integration, and lighting technology.

The breakdown of the job description, core responsibilities, and qualifications required for this position at Stellantis includes:

Core Position Overview

The SLM DRE is responsible for end‑to‑end product development, implementation, validation, and production release of smart automotive lighting electronics, components, or feature architectures. This encompasses translating styling themes from the Product Design Office (PDO) into functional, manufacturable, and regulatory‑compliant smart lighting modules.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Packaging: Author initial design concepts and manage component packaging studies. Assess spatial and architectural restrictions within the vehicle front/rear fascias or cockpit environments.
• Cross‑Functional Integration: Coordinate directly with the Product Design Office (PDO/Studio), Body Engineering, and Power & Signal Distribution (PASD) networks to integrate optical, mechanical, hardware, and thermal constraints.
• Release & Data Management: Own the data lifecycle inside product lifecycle management ecosystems. Manage CAD math data and release engineering documentation (including 3D models and 2D engineering drawings) using NX/CATIA V5 and Teamcenter.
• Quality & Validation Methodologies: Develop, update, and complete design quality frameworks, including DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report). Overlook physical and virtual component validation via component, system, and full‑vehicle level testing.
• Supplier Management: Lead component supplier engineering activities, maintaining rigorous timelines to meet crucial vehicle assembly and launch milestones. Support Statement of Requirements (SOR) development and technical quote assessments.
• Issue Resolution: Diagnose and root‑cause failure mechanisms during pilot vehicle builds, vehicle launches, or field warranty analysis.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering.
• Experience: Generally requires 3+ years of automotive engineering development experience, ideally focused on exterior/interior lighting systems, electronic module hardware, or closely related mechatronic features.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in CAD validation and data viewing tools (e.g., NX, Teamcenter, or CATIA).
• Sound understanding of engineering principles involving optical performance, thermal management, and power consumption.
• Knowledge of structural and automotive industry design‑for‑manufacturing regulations (including FMVSS/ECE lighting regulations).
• Preferred Methodologies: Working experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) frameworks.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.

Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug‑free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening as a condition of hire.