Interior Lighting Release Engineer – Automotive

ALTEN Technology USA; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking an Interior Lighting Design and Release Engineer (DRE) – Advanced to lead the design, development, and release of ambient, functional, and decorative interior lighting systems for automotive programs. You will own vehicle‑level lighting objectives, translate them into component requirements, and oversee the full lifecycle from concept through validation, release, and launch.

In this role, you will lead supplier design activities, define performance targets, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering (ABET‑accredited).
• 5–7+ years of automotive engineering experience; interior lighting or mechatronic/electronic component experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of LED, OLED, and emerging lighting technologies; optical design and validation experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of component integration, GD&T, and system packaging.
• Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools (NX, CATIA, Teamcenter).
• Experience with lighting test methods (photometric, colorimetry, durability) and lab validation equipment.
• Familiarity with LIN/CAN network communications and lighting ECU interaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier design activities and design reviews to ensure alignment with Client specifications, styling intent, and lighting performance targets.
• Define, track, and deliver quality, cost, timing, and performance objectives for interior lighting systems.
• Work with advanced engineering and design studios to establish lighting architecture, aesthetic integration, and innovation opportunities prior to sourcing.
• Act as the regional engineering lead for all interior lighting components and systems, providing on‑site technical support.
• Create and maintain DFMEAs, boundary diagrams, parameter diagrams, interface matrices, and Design Validation Plans & Reports (DVP&Rs).
• Ensure integration and compatibility of lighting systems with surrounding interior components, electronic control units (ECUs), and vehicle networks (LIN, CAN).
• Conduct benchmarking, competitive analysis, and technology scouting (e.g., OLED, dynamic/animated lighting, light‑based HMI concepts).
• Support warranty, quality, and customer satisfaction initiatives with technical analysis, root cause investigations, and resolution plans.
• Drive cost optimization and efficient investment strategies while meeting design and functional requirements.
• Provide technical input during the RFQ and sourcing processes.
• Manage releasing activities (EBOM, CCD/WebCN, Teamcenter, GIMS) and ensure program milestone compliance.
• Collaborate with EE systems engineering to define vehicle functional lighting specifications and Requirements Analysis Reports (RARs).
• Review and approve supplier hardware/software releases and validation reports, including optical performance testing.
• Ensure compliance with global lighting regulations and work with internal compliance teams and suppliers to validate conformity.
• Provide program leadership through issue management, status reporting, and technical presentations to management.
• Guide suppliers in the development, validation, and release of lighting hardware/software to achieve lighting objectives.

Skills

Interior lighting

Automotive engineering

LED/OLED lighting

GD&T

CAD/PLM tools

Leadership

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree

Tools

NX

CATIA

Teamcenter

Job description

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking an Interior Lighting Design and Release Engineer (DRE) – Advanced to lead the design, development, and release of ambient, functional, and decorative interior lighting systems for automotive programs. You will own vehicle‑level lighting objectives, translate them into component requirements, and oversee the full lifecycle from concept through validation, release, and launch.

In this role, you will lead supplier design activities, define performance targets, and