Exterior Trim Design & Release Engineer

SEGULA Technologies; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SEGULA Technologies is seeking a Junior Exterior Trim Design & Release Engineer to support the design, development, packaging, and production release of exterior plastics components. You will work with PDO, cross-functional teams, and suppliers to ensure components meet functional, styling, and manufacturing goals.

The role involves CAD modeling in UG NX/CATIA, tooling and molding knowledge, and collaboration across disciplines. 1–3 years of automotive experience is expected.

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years automotive exterior trim engineering experience.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Plastics Engineering or equivalent.
• Basic CAD modeling in UG NX or CATIA; knowledge of plastic injection molding, GD&T, DFMEA/DVP&R.

Responsibilities

• Design & CAD Support: create and modify 3D CAD models using UG NX or CATIA.
• Packaging & Clearance Studies: perform draft analysis, thickness checks, and clash/interference analysis with nearby components.
• Styling & Feasibility Support: evaluate Class-A styling surfaces for molding feasibility and manufacturing constraints.
• Validation & Testing: assist in updating DFMEA and DVP&R documentation; follow up on supplier testing deliverables.
• Supplier & Cross-Functional Coordination: coordinate with Tier-1 suppliers and internal teams to resolve build issues during pre-production builds.
• Release & Documentation: create and track ECRs, CNs, and update BOM in PLM tools like Teamcenter or Enovia.

Skills

Strong communication

Proactive problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Automotive Engineering

Plastics Engineering

Tools

UG NX

CATIA

Teamcenter

Enovia

Job description

The Junior Exterior Trim Design & Release Engineer supports the engineering design, development, packaging, and production release of exterior plastic components and assemblies (such as bumper fascias, claddings, wheel liners, underbody shields, moldings, and ornamental trim). Working under the guidance of Senior DREs and Lead Engineers, this role coordinates between the Product Design Office (PDO), cross-functional engineering teams, and Tier-1 suppliers to ensure components meet functional, styling, and manufacturing objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & CAD Support: Assist in creating and modifying 3D CAD models, master sections, and B-side attachment features (snaps, ribs, locators, boss structures) using UG NX or CATIA.
• Packaging & Clearance Studies: Conduct draft analysis, thickness checks, and clash/interference analysis with surrounding body components, such as Body-in-White (BIW), lighting, and closures.
• Styling & Feasibility Support: Support reviews with the Product Design Office (PDO) by evaluating Class-A styling surfaces for molding feasibility, gap and flush requirements, and manufacturing constraints.
• Validation & Testing: Assist in updating Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R) documentation; follow up on supplier testing deliverables.
• Supplier & Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with Tier-1 suppliers, plant launch teams, and internal engineering groups to resolve build issues during pre-production phase builds.
• Release & Documentation: Create and track Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), Change Notices (CNs), and update Bill of Materials (BOM) in PLM tools like Teamcenter or Enovia.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or equivalent.

Experience

1 to 3 years of automotive industry experience in product development, plastics design, or exterior trim engineering.

Technical Skills

• Basic proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (UG NX or CATIA V5).
• Foundational understanding of plastic injection molding, thermoforming, and tooling design principles.
• Exposure to DFMEA, DVP&R, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Basic knowledge of PLM systems (Teamcenter or Enovia) and standard office productivity suites.

Soft Skills

Strong communication, proactive problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.

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.