Quality Reliability (D&R) Engineer

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

Job summary

Optimal in Dearborn, MI, seeks a Detail-oriented Design Release Engineer to support design validation and release for automotive closures, from concept through production release. You will own risk analysis, design compliance, and supplier coordination to ensure components meet engineering and quality standards, including front/rear closures geometry and GD&T.

The role requires 3D CAD experience (NX/CATIA), PFMEA, and performing interference checks with Studio teams during multiple design

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree is required.
• Experience with DFMEA and CAD measurements is expected.
• Hybrid work arrangement: 4 days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Support design validation and release for automotive closures from concept through production.
• Own risk analysis, design compliance, and supplier coordination.
• Develop 3D geometry and design concepts meeting crash load case requirements.
• Ensure fit/finish craftsmanship with proper GD&T implementation.

Skills

PFMEA

Studio Interface

Interference checks

Design reviews

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

NX

CATIA

GD&T

Job description

Position Description:

We're looking for a detail-oriented Design Release Engineer to support the design validation and release process for [component/system - e.g., chassis, powertrain, electrical]. This role owns risk analysis, design compliance, and supplier coordination activities that ensure components meet engineering and quality standards from concept through production release. Exterior Scope: The individuals in these positions will support front and rear closures geometry and engineering execution - including hood, doors, decklid/liftgate, and adjoining parts. Scope includes developing 3D geometry and design concepts that meet crash load case requirements, optimizing designs through analytical and physical assessment, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and delivering fit/finish craftsmanship through proper GD&T implementation.

Skills Required:

PFMEA CAD and Studio Interface -should be able to work collaboratively with Studio and Design teams to translate styling surfaces into feasible, releasable closures geometry - for example, taking a Studio-intent surface for a hood or liftgate and developing the underlying engineering structure (hinges, latches, seals, reinforcements) in CAD (NX or CATIA) while maintaining design intent, class-A surface quality, and fit/finish requirements. This includes running interference checks against mating components and iterating with Studio through multiple design reviews to resolve conflicts between styling and engineering constraints.

Skills Preferred:

3D Modeling / Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX or CATIA) used to design, develop, and release automotive closures subsystems and adjoining parts, including component manufacturing and assembly processes. An example expectation would be building parametric surface/solid models of a closure panel or hinge reinforcement, applying GD&T per drawing standards, and running clash/interference checks against mating hardware before releasing to production.

Experience Required:

familiarity with DFMEA able to take measurements in CAD

Education Required:

Bachelor's Degree

Education Preferred:

Bachelor's Degree

Additional Information :

***HYBRID (4 days per week in the office)***