Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Access Systems

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

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a Vehicle Access Engineer to support development, validation, and integration of vehicle access systems across programs. The role focuses on door handles, latches, locks, actuators, PEPS interfaces, and related components, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance from concept through production.

The candidate will define technical requirements, coordinate builds and testing, and work with suppliers and internal teams to drive robust, safe solutions across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Automotive Engineering.
• 4–6 years automotive engineering experience.
• Hands-on with vehicle access or body systems (doors, locks, actuators, sensors, key fobs).

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and validation of vehicle access systems including door handles, latches, locks, and actuators.
• Define technical requirements and interface specifications with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Support DFMEA, PFMEA, and design reviews to ensure functional safety and robustness.
• Coordinate vehicle builds, testing, and issue resolution at the plant during prototype and production phases.
• Analyze field, warranty, and test data and implement corrective actions.
• Support supplier technical reviews, part verification, and quality audits.
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory, safety, and OEM standards.

Skills

Vehicle access systems

PEPS knowledge

CAN/LIN communication

CAD tools

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

NX Siemens CAD

Job description

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.

Position Summary

• Client is seeking aVehicle Access Engineersto support the development, validation, and integration ofvehicle access systemsacross current and future vehicle programs.
• These roles will focus on mechanical and electronic access components like RFHM, SPAAK, KIN, TPMS, Wireless security, ensuring seamless functionality, quality, and regulatory compliance from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Leaddesign, development, and validationof vehicle access systems including:
  • Door handles (manual & electronic)
  • Latches, locks, and actuation systems
  • Passive Entry/Passive Start (PEPS) interfaces
  • Key fobs and external access components
  • RFHM, SPAAK, KIN, TPMS, Wireless security
• Define technical requirementsand interface specifications with internal stakeholders and suppliers
• Support DFMEA, PFMEA, and design reviewsto ensure functional safety and robustness
• Coordinate vehicle builds, vehicle and component testing, and issue resolutionat the plant during prototype and production phases
• Analyze field, warranty, and test data related to access system performance and implement corrective actions
• Support supplier technical reviews, part verification, and quality audits
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory, safety, and OEM standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree inMechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
• 4–6 years of experiencein automotive engineering or vehicle system development
• Hands‑on experience withvehicle access or body systems(doors, locks, latches, actuators, sensors. keyfobs)
• Working knowledge ofautomotive product development processes(APQP, DV/PV, gateways)
• Ability to read and interpretengineering drawings and specifications
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience withelectronic access systems or PEPS
• Knowledge ofCAN/LIN communicationrelated to body electronics
• Familiarity withCAD tools(NX siemens preferred)
• Experience working withTier 1 suppliers
• Prior experience within aglobal OEM environment

Key Competencies

• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Technical decision‑making
• Analytical thinking
• Clear communication with engineering and non‑technical teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across vehicle programs

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.

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.