DRE Design and Release Engineer Automotive

Job Description

Job Description

Design and Release Engineer (Multiple Openings)

Location: Warren, Michigan
Job Type: Full-Time
Industry: Automotive Engineering

About the Opportunity

We are seeking multiple experienced and motivated Design and Release Engineers (DREs) to join our growing engineering team in Warren, Michigan. These positions support the development, design, validation, release, and launch of automotive components and systems across several specialty areas.

We are hiring Design and Release Engineers in the following disciplines:

• Body-in-White (BIW)
• Electrical Systems and Components
• Exterior Components
• Bumpers, Fascias, and Grilles

The ideal candidates will work closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers, manufacturing, quality, and program management to deliver high-quality vehicle systems from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead component and system design activities throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Develop and release engineering designs, drawings, specifications, and related documentation.
• Coordinate with suppliers to support design development, feasibility reviews, sourcing activities, and issue resolution.
• Manage component packaging and integration within vehicle architectures.
• Review and approve engineering changes while ensuring compliance with program timing and cost targets.
• Support prototype builds, vehicle testing, validation activities, and production launches.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and root cause investigations.
• Interface with manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and testing teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Track program deliverables and report status to leadership and stakeholders.

Specialty Areas

Body-in-White (BIW)

• Develop and release structural vehicle components and assemblies.
• Support vehicle architecture, crash requirements, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Coordinate body structure design changes and product improvements.

Electrical Systems

• Design and release electrical components, wiring systems, connectors, and modules.
• Coordinate electrical architecture integration and issue resolution.
• Support validation and testing activities for electrical systems.

Exterior Components

• Design and release exterior trim, moldings, panels, and appearance-related components.
• Manage supplier development and component validation activities.
• Ensure compliance with fit, finish, durability, and styling requirements.

Bumpers, Fascias, and Grilles

• Lead design development and release of front and rear bumper systems.
• Coordinate integration with lighting, ADAS, cooling, and exterior systems.
• Support tooling, prototype, validation, and launch activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of automotive design and release engineering experience.
• Experience with product development and launch processes.
• Understanding of automotive design, manufacturing, and validation requirements.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as CATIA, NX, Creo, or similar platforms.
• Ability to work onsite or in a hybrid environment in Warren, Michigan.

Compensation

• Annual Salary: $75,000 - $85,000, based on experience, qualifications, and specialty area.