Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closures (Onsite)

Optimal; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal in Dearborn, MI is seeking an Exterior Area / Component Responsibility HLM D&R Engineer to lead design and release of vehicle handles, locks, and mechanisms across doors and hoods. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure regulatory compliance, robust interfaces, and timely delivery.

You will manage suppliers, perform design reviews, conduct DFMEA, GD&T layouts, and CAD studies in Teamcenter and FEDEBOM, translating requirements into manufacturable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 2+ years in design, development, or launch of automotive mechanisms.
• Experience with LATCH/LOCK/MECHANISM systems and vehicle closures.
• On-site in Dearborn, MI with domestic and international travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead HLM system design and development across OEM interfaces.
• Manage HLM suppliers to meet cost, weight, quality, and timing targets.
• Create plans per GPDS and deliver on time.
• Lead design reviews and sign-off CAD in Teamcenter.
• Develop DFMEAs, SCCAF, boundary diagrams, and DVP&Rs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for vehicle-level validation.
• Support Sourcing through SOBA/ED&T and cost reviews.

Skills

HLM design

CAD release

GD&T

CAEs

DVP&R / DFMEA

Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier management

Teamcenter

WERS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

3DX

Teamcenter

WERS

Job description

Optimal in Dearborn, MI is seeking an Exterior Area / Component Responsibility HLM D&R Engineer to lead design and release of vehicle handles, locks, and mechanisms across doors and hoods. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure regulatory compliance, robust interfaces, and timely delivery.

You will manage suppliers, perform design reviews, conduct DFMEA, GD&T layouts, and CAD studies in Teamcenter and FEDEBOM, translating requirements into manufacturable solutions.