Design Release Engineer

Design Release Engineer

Location: Auburn Hills, MI

Experience: 3-4 years

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design of power cell components, ensuring alignment with vehicle and engine sub-system requirements.
• Develop and refine concepts for Power cell crank train systems based on functional, safety, reliability, and performance requirements.
• Support CAD modeling, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), and other design validation methods to ensure structural integrity and compliance with standards.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams (engine calibration, engine testing, thermal, packaging, quality, manufacturing) to integrate components into the overall engine system.

Release & Program Management:

• Manage design release activities from early concept through production, including the timely completion of applicable milestones such as B-Sample, C-Sample, PX0, X0, X1, X2, and X3.
• Own the Engineering Bill of Materials (EBOM) and Change Notices (CNs) for structural components.
• Ensure all parts meet quality, cost, and timing requirements.
• Drive the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for lubrication systems components, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and customer specifications.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, suppliers, and quality, to ensure the successful release and implementation of designs.

Technical Guidance & Problem Solving:

• Provide technical leadership support during the development and production stages to resolve design issues, material selection challenges, manufacturing restrictions, and process-related problems.
• Lead DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and other risk assessment activities to ensure design robustness and mitigate potential issues.
• Participate in the development of testing strategies for components, including engine dynamometer, vibration, fatigue and thermal testing.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and problem-solving support for related hardware and extended team of engineers.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with suppliers to ensure design feasibility, cost competitiveness, and manufacturability of structural components.
• Collaborate with validation teams to define and implement validation testing, ensuring structural components meet functional and performance metrics.
• Partner with vehicle integration teams to ensure proper fitment, safety, and integration of components into the overall vehicle platform.
• Strong support and collaboration for engine manufacturing plant especially for crankshaft machining and manufacturing processes.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including design specifications, drawings, models, test plans, and validation reports.
• Ensure that all technical documentation is up-to-date and aligns with program timelines and PPAP requirements.
• Report on project status, timelines, and risk assessments to senior management and stakeholders.
• Report on component and system testing status and results for relevant components on a DVP&R. This includes tracking and analysis of tested engines to evaluate wear and function changes.

Requirements:

• A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited school or equivalent.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working with engine components and systems design. Experience must be related to crankshafts, pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, lubrication systems, oil consumption.
• Understanding of Mechanics of Materials, NVH, Sealing systems, structural analysis, vibration, fastener basics, CAE Analysis, and GD&T.
• Experience in selecting materials and manufacturing methods for mechanical components.
• Ability to author system/component level requirements
• Strong interpersonal communication, team/leadership skills/experience
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong project management skills/experience
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems

Preferred Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis engine systems engineering or similar.
• Working experience in creation and execution of validation plans
• Critical character traits to ensure success: Action Oriented, Dealing with Ambiguity, Customer Focus, Problem Solving.
• Demonstrated leadership as a technical expert for Internal Combustion Engines cranktrain or Powercell systems.
• Working experience with 3D cad programs, preferably Siemens NX
• Familiarity with Company engine development processes.

Additional Must haves:

• An interest in designing and development of internal combustion engines
• Support testing on site for evaluation with reporting of results to broader team.
• Minimum of BSME preferred but we can consider BSEE, BSCE with relevant experience.