Design & Release Engineer Exterior Lighting

Were ALTEN Technology USA an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to lifefrom advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3000 experts across North America we partner with leading companies in aerospace medical devices robotics automotive commercial vehicles EVs rail and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group57000 engineers in 30 countrieswe deliver across the entire product development cycle from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA youll collaborate on some of the worlds toughest engineering challenges supported by mentorship career growth opportunities and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued supported and inspired to grow.

Role Overview

• As a Design & Release Engineer (DRE) for Exterior Lighting you will play a pivotal role in the development validation and industrialization of exterior lighting systems (e.g. headlamps taillights fog lamps illuminated grilles and sensors).
• This role combines design engineering with rigorous testing and release processes to ensure that lighting components meet performance safety regulatory and cost targets .
• You will collaborate with cross-functional teams (optical mechanical electrical and software engineers) suppliers and manufacturing plants to deliver high-quality lighting solutions from concept to mass production .
• This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy both technical design and hands-on validation with opportunities to grow into project leadership and supplier management .

Key Responsibilities

1. Design & Development

• Support the design of exterior lighting components (3D/2D modeling using NX CATIA or SolidWorks ).
• Assist in optimizing designs for performance manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with optical and electrical teams to integrate lighting systems (LED halogen adaptive lighting) into vehicle architectures.
• Contribute to system requirement definitions (e.g. optical performance thermal management regulatory compliance).
• Work with suppliers to develop and iterate prototypes based on testing feedback.

2. Testing & Validation

• Plan and execute Design Verification Plans (DVP&R) to validate lighting components against specifications.
• Conduct functional and durability tests (e.g. environmental thermal vibration and regulatory compliance tests).
• Analyze test results and troubleshoot failures (e.g. using 8D reports CPRT or Quality Alert tools ).
• Ensure compliance with automotive lighting regulations (e.g. FMVSS ECE IIHS requirements).
• Support vehicle-level validation (e.g. on-road testing assembly plant evaluations).

3. Release & Industrialization

• Assist in managing engineering changes (Change Notices - CNs) and temporary/permanent deviations.
• Coordinate with suppliers to implement DFMEAs and PFMEAs for risk mitigation.
• Support pilot phases in manufacturing plants to ensure smooth production ramp-up.
• Contribute to cost reduction initiatives (TCR/VO) without compromising quality or performance.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with purchasing quality and manufacturing teams to resolve technical issues.
• Participate in supplier meetings to align on design validation and production timelines.
• Support warranty investigations and continuous improvement activities.
• Document technical decisions and share best practices with the engineering team.

Basic Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Automotive Engineering or a related field .
• Experience:
• 05 years of experience in automotive engineering (OEM or Tier 1) with exposure to design testing or release processes .
• Internships or co-op experience in lighting systems electronics or automotive components are a plus.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in 3D/2D modeling tools (NX CATIA or SolidWorks).
• Basic understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) .
• Familiarity with automotive lighting regulations (e.g. FMVSS ECE) is a plus.
• Knowledge of LED technology optics or thermal management is desirable.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills .
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively (written and verbal).
• Fluent in English (technical discussions).
• Tools/Methodologies:
• Exposure to DFMEA DVP&R or Six Sigma (Green Belt certification is a plus).
• Familiarity with PLM systems (Teamcenter Windchill) is beneficial.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Engineering or a related field .
• Experience with automotive exterior lighting development (e.g. headlamps taillights).
• Hands-on experience with prototyping testing or validation in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of emerging lighting technologies (e.g. adaptive lighting laser matrix LED).
• Proficiency in Italian French or German (for global collaboration).
• Prior experience with supplier management or cross-functional project leadership .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability protected veteran status age genetic information or pregnancy.

Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.

Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.

Required Experience:

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