Exterior Systems Design & Release (D&R) Engineer

Optimal; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work 4 days/week

Travel for vehicle launches

Job summary

Optimal is seeking an Exterior Systems Design & Release Engineer to lead the design, development, validation, and release of exterior vehicle components for multiple programs. You will drive improvements in quality, cost, weight, and design efficiency while ensuring compliance with applicable standards and specifications.

The role requires 3+ years in automotive exterior systems, experience with Class-A surfaces, and proficiency in Teamcenter Engineering, CATIA, 3DX, and parametric modeling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree preferred in a related engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, validation, and release of exterior system components for assigned vehicle programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, weight reduction, and design efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and engineering specifications.
• Develop components meeting manufacturing and durability requirements.
• Manage program deliverables within GPDS framework.
• Apply Robustness Engineering and ESR to support sourcing and changes.
• Participate in design reviews and release parts through BOM tools and change control processes.
• Audit and maintain Bills of Material for prototype and production builds.
• Coordinate validation and testing activities using DVP and FEDE processes.
• Use root cause analysis tools to identify issues and implement corrective actions.
• Define engineering prototype requirements and support prototypes.

Skills

Release Engineering

Systems Engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in related engineering discipline

Tools

Teamcenter Engineering (TCE)

CATIA

3DX

Parametric modeling

Job description

Job responsibilities:

Product Development uses design thinking and user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life while advancing autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and other future-focused initiatives. In this role, the Exterior Systems Design & Release (D&R) Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of exterior vehicle components, including front and rear bumpers/fascias, grilles, active grille shutters (AGS), battery trays, wheel arch liners, underbody shields, and related systems. The engineer will lead early development activities, evaluate system feasibility, and collaborate closely with Studio, Program Management, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Assembly Plants to ensure successful program delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, validation, and release of exterior system components for assigned vehicle programs.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, weight reduction, and design efficiency.

Ensure compliance with corporate, local, and global regulatory requirements, Worldwide Customer Requirements (WCR), Engineering Specifications (ES), and System Design Specifications (SDS).

Develop components that meet manufacturing, assembly, durability, and performance requirements.

Manage program deliverables to meet cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets within the Global Product Development System (GPDS) framework.

Apply Robustness Engineering disciplines and Failure Mode Avoidance methodologies. Develop Engineering Statements of Work (ESOW), Engineering Concepts (EC), and support sourcing activities including cost reviews and supplier selection processes.

Participate in Technical Design Reviews and cross-functional engineering discussions. Release and maintain parts through BOM tools, WERS, and Change Control processes throughout the product lifecycle.

Audit and maintain Bills of Material (BOM) for prototype and production builds.

Identify and coordinate validation, durability, and functional testing activities using DVP and FEDE processes.

Utilize AIMS root cause analysis tools to identify issues and implement permanent corrective actions.

Define engineering prototype requirements and support prototype builds.

Support assembly plant implementation, launch activities, quality investigations, and sign-off processes.

Review Product Design Level (PDL) revisions and implement required changes.

Support VQR, VRT, and PVT activities as required.

Partner with Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) teams throughout supplier engagement and development processes.

Apply OEM's Performance+ principles to deliver business and engineering objectives.

Skills Required:

Release Engineering, Systems Engineering

Experience Required:

Minimum 3 years of experience in automotive exterior systems development or related engineering roles.

Experience with Class-A surface development and Studio interface activities.

Experience with CAD systems including Teamcenter Engineering (TCE), CATIA, 3DX, and parametric modeling.

Knowledge of exterior systems design, packaging requirements, craftsmanship standards, and benchmarking.

Understanding of automotive manufacturing processes related to exterior components. Demonstrated ability to resolve complex engineering and packaging challenges.

Strong technical communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

Effective project, meeting, and time management skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Experience Preferred:

Experience with AVBOM and Release Engineering processes.

Experience working within the automotive industry and vehicle launch environments.

Education Required:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related engineering field.

Education Preferred:

Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.

Additional Information :

***HYBRID (4 days per week in the office)*** Occasional domestic travel to supplier manufacturing facilities and vehicle assembly plants may be required to support vehicle launch activities.