Entry Level Design Release Engineer – Exterior & Interior Lighting

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

Job summary

SEGULA Technologies, a global engineering group, seeks a Design Release Engineer for Automotive Lighting. You will lead the design, development, integration, and production launch of exterior and interior illumination systems, from concept through SOP.

Responsibilities include managing the product lifecycle, leading cross-functional integration with design, thermal/FEA, and packaging, coordinating with Tier-1 suppliers via APQP, executing the DVP&R, and ensuring compliance with FMVSS 108, ECE,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics.
• 1–3 years hands-on experience with LED modules and lighting tech.
• Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX for surface analysis and packaging.
• Knowledge of FMVSS 108, ECE, SAE environmental testing and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Own lighting assemblies from concept through Start of Production (SOP).
• Lead optical, thermal, electrical, and mechanical integration.
• Collaborate with Design Studio, Thermal/FEA, and Packaging teams.
• Direct Tier-1 lighting suppliers thru APQP, meeting cost, mass, timing and quality targets.
• Execute DVP&R and ensure compliance with global lighting regulations (FMVSS 108, ECE, SAE).
• Author DFMEAs, define GD&T requirements and lead root-cause analysis for testing failures.

Skills

LED module experience

Optical design understanding

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Siemens NX

DFMEA

GD&T

DVP&R

PPAP/APQP

BOM management

Job description

The Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Automotive Lighting leads the engineering design, development, integration, and production launch of exterior (headlamps, taillamps, CHMSLs, side markers) and interior (ambient lighting, overhead consoles, accent lights) illumination systems.

Core Responsibilities

• Component Ownership: Manage the complete product lifecycle of lighting assemblies from initial concept through prototype builds to Start of Production (SOP).
• Technical & Optical Integration: Lead optical, thermal, electrical, and mechanical integration. Maintain compliance with Class-A styling surfaces while integrating LEDs, light pipes, lenses, reflectors, and electronic control units (ECUs).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Design Studio to preserve styling intent, Thermal/FEA engineers to ensure heat dissipation and structural integrity, and Packaging teams to resolve spatial constraints.
• Supplier Management: Direct Tier-1 lighting suppliers through the APQP process, maintaining strict adherence to cost, mass, timing, and quality targets.
• Validation & Compliance: Execute the Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R). Ensure full compliance with global lighting regulations (FMVSS 108, ECE, GB standards).
• Quality & Problem Solving: Author DFMEAs, define GD&T requirements, and lead root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why) for testing failures, seal leaks (ingress/condensation), and dimensional variations.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.

CAD Systems:

Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX for surface analysis, packaging, and clearance validation.

Lighting Technology:

1-3 years of hands‑on experience with LED modules, light guides, micro‑optics, matrix beam technologies, thermal management, e‑coatings, and plastic injection molding/hard‑coating.

Regulatory Knowledge:

Working knowledge of FMVSS 108, ECE, SAE, and environmental testing protocols (vibration, thermal shock, IP67/IP69K ingress protection).

Engineering Tools:

Proficiency in DFMEA, GD&T, DVP&R, PPAP, APQP, and BOM management.

SEGULA Technologies is a global engineering group, boosting the competitiveness of all major industrial sectors: automotive, aerospace, energy, rail, naval, life sciences, and telecoms. With a presence in more than 30 countries and 140 locations worldwide, the Group prioritizes close relationships with its clients, driven by the expertise of its 15,000 employees. As a leading engineering player putting innovation at the heart of its strategy, SEGULA Technologies manages large-scale projects, ranging from initial studies to industrialization and production. SEGULA TECHNOLOGIES is dedicated to gender balance and diversity, recognizing and recruiting talent of all backgrounds.