Design and Release Engineer - Exterior Trim

This position offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced automotive engineer to contribute to the design, development, release, and validation of Exterior Trim and Lighting systems.

Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of experience in automotive product engineering, preferably within Exterior Trim, Lighting Systems, Vehicle Body, or related areas.
• Experience with exterior trim components such as fascias, grilles, moldings, appliqués, spoilers, wheel arch moldings, rocker moldings, badges, and other exterior appearance parts.
• Experience with automotive lighting systems including headlamps, tail lamps, fog lamps, CHMSL, DRLs, and exterior lighting features.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA, NX, or Creo.
• Understanding of automotive product development processes, release procedures, and engineering change management.
• Knowledge of GD&T, DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance stack-up analysis, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Familiarity with automotive regulations and standards applicable to exterior lighting systems.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams including manufacturing, validation, quality, purchasing, and program management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deliverables and program milestones simultaneously.
• Experience with OEM or Tier 1 automotive development processes is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, release, and validate Exterior Trim and Lighting components and systems for vehicle programs.
• Manage components throughout the entire product development lifecycle from concept through production launch.
• Lead packaging studies, feasibility assessments, and design maturation activities for assigned components.
• Coordinate closely with suppliers to ensure technical requirements, timing, cost, quality, and manufacturing objectives are achieved.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation including CAD models, drawings, specifications, BOMs, and release records.
• Conduct design reviews and provide technical recommendations to improve product performance, quality, cost, manufacturability, and vehicle appearance.
• Support prototype builds, vehicle integration activities, validation testing, and launch events.
• Analyze test results, warranty data, and field issues to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Lead resolution of design, assembly, manufacturing, and supplier-related concerns.
• Manage engineering changes and ensure timely implementation according to program milestones.
• Ensure compliance with corporate engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
• Support benchmarking activities and evaluate new technologies, materials, and industry trends related to Exterior Trim and Lighting systems.
• Provide engineering support during vehicle production launch and post-launch activities.