Exterior Hardware DRE

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Exterior Hardware Design Release Engineer (DRE)

Job Description

This role supports future automotive programs as a Design Release Engineer, owning exterior hardware components from initial design through production and warranty. You will act as the program manager for your assigned parts, ensuring that quality, timing, and development milestones are met while coordinating closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers. The position focuses on bumpers, fascias, grilles, and exterior trim components, primarily plastic and chrome parts, and requires strong program management skills and the ability to drive change across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete product development life cycle for assigned exterior hardware parts, from concept and design through production launch and warranty support.
• Act as the program manager for assigned components, ensuring quality targets, timing, and development milestones are achieved.
• Research, design, develop, manufacture, and test mechanical devices and components, including exterior hardware such as bumpers, fascias, grilles, and exterior trim.
• Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, and manuals to determine technical feasibility, timing, and cost to complete projects.
• Investigate equipment and component failures and operational difficulties, diagnose root causes, and recommend corrective actions to the appropriate teams.
• Collaborate with drafting teams to develop and refine structural designs using engineering tools, equipment, and software.
• Create and review engineering drawings, sketches, and related documentation to support design release and manufacturing.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports to guide design and problem-solving.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, manufacturing, quality, and other functional groups, as well as external suppliers, to align on design, feasibility, and launch readiness.
• Drive program management activities, including tracking deliverables, managing issues, and supporting change management across the organization.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to exterior hardware design, manufacturability, and field performance.

Work Environment

This is a first-shift, hybrid position, with the expectation to work in the office three days per week (typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and remotely on other days, subject to business needs. Core working hours generally fall between 8:00 a.m. and standard business close. You will be part of a group of approximately 80 engineers responsible for various vehicle programs and commodities, providing a collaborative and technically rich environment. Some work will take place at supplier locations to support development, launch, and issue resolution, with overnight travel typically at or below 10%. The dress code is business casual. The organization places strong emphasis on community engagement, worker safety, and being a workplace of choice, and it offers opportunities for contract employees to learn new technologies and software, broaden their skills across different areas, and potentially pursue direct hire opportunities in the future.

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

The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $50.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Warren,MI.

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 ziprecruiter.com 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.