Design Release Engineer

Job Title: Design Release Engineer

Job Description

The Design Release Engineer leads the design, release, and validation of advanced product components and interior systems, with a focus on overhead and hard trim plastic injection parts. This role coordinates cross-functional engineering projects, manages supplier and customer interactions, and ensures that designs meet performance, quality, cost, and timing objectives. The engineer applies strong technical expertise in design, testing, and analysis while collaborating closely with management and diverse teams in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate design analysis and development processes for advanced product components and interior systems, including overhead systems and hard trim plastic injection parts.

• Release advanced product components and product lines, ensuring all design documentation, specifications, and data are accurate and complete.

• Diagnose and correct design and process deficiencies by performing analysis, testing, and root cause investigations.

• Maintain cost controls by monitoring design decisions, material selections, and manufacturing implications to support cost-effective solutions.

• Provide clear technical direction and guidance to support personnel and cross-functional team members throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Coordinate supportive build programs, including prototype and pre-production builds, ensuring parts and designs are ready on time and meet requirements.

• Plan and coordinate test and development programs, including DVSS and other validation activities, to ensure product performance and quality targets are met.

• Coordinate engineering projects with other departments and divisions to ensure alignment on design, manufacturing, quality, and timing.

• Engage regularly with suppliers and customers to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and ensure that released designs meet expectations and standards.

• Stay current with new technologies, materials, and design methods, and apply this knowledge to improve product design and development processes.

• Create and review sketches, engineering drawings, and related documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with engineering standards.

• Use common measurement tools and techniques to verify parts and assemblies during builds, inspections, and validation activities.

• Utilize basic hand and machine tools as needed to support parts inspection, fit checks, and problem-solving activities.

• Partner with management to analyze complex issues, develop solutions, and support strategic decisions related to design and release.

• Manage multiple assignments concurrently, prioritizing tasks and delivering high-quality work within established timelines.

• Participate in and deliver effective presentations and meetings, communicating technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Intermediate proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Intermediate proficiency with Lotus Notes or other email communication tools.

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

• Strong written and oral communication skills suitable for meetings and presentations.

• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and exhibit strong teamwork skills.

• Ability to partner with management to analyze and solve technical and organizational issues.

• Ability to multitask and handle diverse assignments concurrently while maintaining quality and accuracy.

• Strong ability to create sketches and engineering drawings and perform common engineering computations.

• Strong understanding of materials, engineering theory, and principles of design.

• Familiarity with basic hand and machine tools used in engineering and manufacturing environments.

• Strong ability to use common measurement tools and techniques for inspection and verification.

• Position-related experience of approximately 7 years in a relevant engineering role.

• Relevant automotive industry experience at an entry level (less than 1 year).

• Past experience with a major automotive original equipment manufacturer at an entry level (less than 1 year).

• Areas of expertise that include testing, design, and analysis.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in design and release of interior systems, including overhead systems and hard trim components.

• Knowledge and hands-on experience with plastic injection and plastic injection mold design and development.

• Experience working with DVSS and quality-focused validation processes.

• Ability to contribute to and thrive in a strong, collaborative culture within a world-class organization.

• Comfort working in a long-term, open-ended contract environment that offers stability and ongoing project involvement.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid work environment that combines remote work with occasional on-site visits for parts inspection and design review. On-site activities may include hands-on use of measurement tools, basic hand and machine tools, and direct interaction with physical components and assemblies. The position involves frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers using digital communication tools such as email and virtual meeting platforms. The organization emphasizes a strong, supportive culture and is associated with the development of iconic automotive products, offering a professional setting focused on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $47.00 - $51.00/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 30, 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.