Design Engineer

Job Title: Design and Release Engineer

Job Description

The HLM Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, release, and implementation of handles, locks, and mechanisms for vehicle closures, including hoods and frunks, side doors, tailgates, liftgates, and decklids. This role focuses on delivering high-quality, cost- and weight-optimized hardware throughout the full product lifecycle, from early concept through production. You will lead suppliers, guide the detailed design of HLM components, and ensure compliance with requirements, design rules, and regulatory standards while managing key attributes such as package feasibility, NVH, water management, craftsmanship, crash safety, and manufacturing and assembly requirements. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative, sustainable products and to advance technologies in areas such as autonomy, electrification, and smart mobility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of HLM systems, including handles, latches, locks, strikers, hinges, door checks, and manual or powered mechanisms for doors, hoods, frunks, tailgates, liftgates, decklids, and other simulated closures.

• Drive the full engineering lifecycle of HLM components, from concept and CAD design through validation, release, and implementation into vehicle closures.

• Manage and lead HLM suppliers to ensure compliance with program targets for cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing.

• Ensure designs meet all regulatory requirements, internal design rules, and functional performance targets for the HLM systems.

• Create and execute plans within the Global Product Development System (GPDS) to deliver HLM components and systems on time.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust systems at the vehicle level, ensuring all interfaces of HLM components are evaluated and validated.

• Guide the design of HLM components to achieve compliance with package constraints, design feasibility, NVH performance, water management, craftsmanship, and crash safety requirements.

• Ensure HLM designs meet manufacturing and assembly requirements at the assembly plants, supporting efficient and reliable production.

• Use CAD tools such as CATIA and Teamcenter to open, evaluate, and develop parts and assemblies, ensuring accurate and manufacturable designs.

• Perform mechanical engineering development work, including calculations, CAE analysis, drawings, mockups, and failure mode analysis for mechanical and electromechanical systems.

• Apply product design and product development methods, including design thinking and user experience approaches, to create innovative and customer-focused mechanical components and systems.

• Prepare and deliver clear technical presentations in PowerPoint for peers and leadership, communicating design status, issues, and recommendations.

• Use structured problem-solving methods such as 8D and 5Why to investigate issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.

• Contribute to and utilize DFMEA, PFMEA, and SCCAF analyses to identify and mitigate risks in design and manufacturing processes.

• Apply knowledge of the phased PPAP process to support successful production readiness and launch of HLM components.

• Incorporate detailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and GD&T into designs to ensure performance, durability, and manufacturability.

• Manage multiple engineering issues and tasks effectively and efficiently, demonstrating initiative and the ability to prioritize workload.

• Adapt to a fluid development environment where overall vehicle targets, size, appearance, and manufacturing locations may change or be partially defined.

• Solve complex system issues and work with a variety of concrete variables in situations with limited standardization.

• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form with internal teams and external suppliers, ensuring alignment and clear expectations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a related field.

• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in the design, development, or launch of automotive mechanisms, which may include internships and relevant coursework.

• Proficiency with CAD tools and the ability to open and evaluate parts in software such as CATIA and Teamcenter.

• Familiarity with CAE tools and software used for analysis and validation of mechanical systems.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently while maintaining quality and timeliness.

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to prioritize workload in a dynamic engineering environment.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required to support suppliers, plants, and program activities.

• Proficiency in MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to perform mechanical engineering development work on mechanical or electromechanical systems, including calculations, CAE, drawings, mockups, and failure mode analysis.

• Experience in product design and product development involving mechanical components or systems.

• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to create and present technical presentations.

• Ability to adapt your role to a variety of applications and issues as program needs evolve.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the design and release of latching mechanisms, closure systems, or related mechanism applications.

• Software literacy and experience with mechatronics, integrating mechanical and electronic systems.

• Strong understanding of statistical analysis and its application to product performance and quality.

• Experience with structured problem-solving methods, including 8D and 5Why corrective action processes.

• Experience with DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), and SCCAF methodologies.

• Knowledge of the phased PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and its application in automotive product launches.

• Detailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Ability to work effectively in a fluid environment where overall vehicle targets, size, appearance, and manufacturing locations may not always be fully defined.

• Ability to solve complex system issues and handle a variety of concrete variables in situations with limited standardization.

• Experience with HLM hardware, including handles, locks, and mechanisms for vehicle closures.

• Interest in contributing to advancements in autonomy, electrification, and smart mobility technologies.

• Comfort working with design thinking and user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight customers.

Work Environment

This role is based in a modern automotive product development environment focused on exterior components and closure systems. You will work with advanced CAD and CAE tools, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, and supplier organizations. The position supports global vehicle programs, so occasional domestic and international travel may be required to visit suppliers, test facilities, and assembly plants. The work setting is dynamic and fluid, with evolving vehicle targets and program requirements, offering opportunities to contribute to innovative solutions in autonomy, electrification, and smart mobility. Standard professional office attire is expected when working on-site or attending meetings.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Dearborn,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.