Release Engineer

Job Title: Design Release Engineer - Exterior Plastics

Job Description

The Design Release Engineer coordinates design analysis and product development activities for advanced components and product lines, with a primary focus on exterior associated plastic injection molded parts. This role drives the release of new components, resolves design deficiencies, maintains cost controls, and provides technical direction to support personnel. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers while staying engaged with new technologies and engineering best practices. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of design, technology, safety, and brand identity, with the satisfaction of seeing your work on the road every day.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate design analysis and product development activities for advanced components and product lines, with a focus on exterior related plastic injection molded parts.

• Drive the release of new components from concept through production, ensuring timely and accurate documentation and approvals.

• Resolve design deficiencies by identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and validating design changes.

• Maintain cost controls by supporting cost-effective design solutions, monitoring cost impacts, and collaborating with stakeholders to meet budget targets.

• Provide technical direction and guidance to support personnel involved in design, development, testing, and release activities.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, program management, manufacturing, quality, and procurement, to ensure alignment on design requirements and program objectives.

• Work directly with suppliers to clarify design intent, review feasibility, and support tooling and manufacturing readiness for exterior plastic components.

• Engage with customers to understand requirements, address technical concerns, and ensure designs meet performance, safety, and brand identity objectives.

• Utilize design release tools and systems to manage product data, track changes, and maintain accurate records throughout the product lifecycle.

• Apply engineering theory, principles of design, and materials knowledge to create and refine sketches and engineering drawings.

• Support program management activities by providing technical input to schedules, risk assessments, and status updates.

• Participate in meetings and presentations, communicating design status, issues, and solutions clearly to stakeholders.

• Partner with senior management to analyze complex issues, propose solutions, and support decision-making.

• Handle diverse assignments concurrently by prioritizing tasks and managing multiple projects in parallel.

• Stay current with new technologies, engineering best practices, and industry trends related to exterior lighting and plastic injection molding.

Essential Skills

• Experience in design release engineering, including managing the release of new components and product data.

• Hands-on experience with new product development, particularly in mechanical and product engineering contexts.

• Background in exterior plastic, including understanding of functional, aesthetic, and safety requirements.

• Experience with plastic injection molding and plastic component design.

• Mechanical engineering experience, including application of engineering theory and principles of design.

• Ability to create and interpret sketches and engineering drawings with a strong understanding of materials and design principles.

• Proficiency with design and product lifecycle management tools such as Teamcenter or similar systems.

• Program management experience supporting engineering projects and coordinating cross-functional activities.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively cross-functionally and cross-culturally.

• Strong written and oral communication skills for meetings, presentations, and technical documentation.

• Ability to work well with others and demonstrate effective teamwork skills.

• Ability to multitask and handle diverse assignments concurrently.

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Experience using email communication tools for professional correspondence.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) or in an automotive or transportation-related environment.

• Familiarity with exterior systems and integration with vehicle platforms.

• Experience collaborating with senior management to analyze and solve complex technical and program issues.

• Exposure to global or cross-cultural engineering teams and suppliers.

• Interest in or experience with emerging technologies and engineering best practices in plastics.

• Ability to contribute to brand identity through thoughtful and innovative design of exterior components.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid remote work environment, combining remote work with occasional on-site visits for parts inspection and design reviews. You will collaborate regularly with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers using digital communication and collaboration tools. On-site visits typically involve interaction with physical components, inspection equipment, and engineering documentation in an office or lab setting. The position centers on the intersection of design, technology, safety, and brand identity, offering a dynamic environment where engineering decisions have a visible impact on products in the field and on the road

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/hr.

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 Warren,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 16, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.