{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"239c4e27c69ef79f072cdf4e","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/239c4e27c69ef79f072cdf4e","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/239c4e27c69ef79f072cdf4e","title":"Structures Design & Release Engineer","description":"Location: Dearborn, MI (Hybrid)Employment Type: Full-Time ContractPay: $40-42 per hourDescription: We are seeking an experienced Design & Release (D&R) Engineer to lead the design, development, and launch of automotive body structure components from pre-program through production launch. This role will focus on upper body sheet metal systems, including roof structures, pillars, quarter panels, and bodyside upper components, ensuring all designs meet vehicle performance, safety, manufacturing, and cost objectives.Responsibilities:Understand structural design to meet vehicle attributes including FMVSS, NVH and SafetyLead Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating in supplier selection to achieve program targetsDevelop component designs that meet customer requirements, and Vehicle Operations manufacturing requirementsInterface with engineers of surrounding components and systems (seats, electrical, etc)Release 3-D CAD that meets system design requirementsSupport supplier and CAE testing of structure and closure designs prior to toolingKick off tooling, supplier part manufacturing, part layout, and part testingLead prototype vehicle level build support for structuresManage Final Engineering Sign-off and production vehicle launch at assembly plants Requirements:Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineeringExcellent communication skills, both oral and written5 years of experience as Structures D&R EngineerExperience designing, developing, and releasing automotive sheet metal components from concept through productionAdditional experience includes: creating and reviewing CAD geometry, supporting stamping feasibility, coordinating with suppliers, and manufacturing teams, resolving quality concerns, conducting competitive benchmarking studies, and managing engineering changes while meeting cost, weight, timing, and durability requirements.Understanding of vehicle body structural performance requirements and development of upper body structures that meet roof crush, side impact, durability, and stiffness targets.Preferred:Skills:DMAIC and DFSS principlesReview and sign off of component drawings and gaging practices8D, fishbone, and DOE problem solving methodologyBoundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA & SCCAFsCAE models and CAD drawings reviewFailure Mode AvoidanceDVP&R maintenance and sign-off on DV tests – including FMVSS requirementsMicrosoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point)Executing threaded fastener joint designs and testsExperience performing CAE correlation reviews, optimizing reinforcement strategies, working with safety and attribute teams, and developing roof and pillar structures to achieve regulatory and vehicle performance requirementsWorking knowledge of Catia V5/V6 and/or 3DX CAD","company":"Epitec","rawCompany":"epitec","city":"Dearborn","state":"MI","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-29T09:15:49.356Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2141.02","title":"Automotive Engineers","slug":"automotive-engineers"},{"code":"17-2141.00","title":"Mechanical Engineers","slug":"mechanical-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"336110","title":"Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"automobile-and-light-duty-motor-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"541330","title":"Engineering Services","slug":"engineering-services"},{"code":"336211","title":"Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing","slug":"motor-vehicle-body-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Structures Design & Release Engineer","description":"Location: Dearborn, MI (Hybrid)Employment Type: Full-Time ContractPay: $40-42 per hourDescription: We are seeking an experienced Design & Release (D&R) Engineer to lead the design, development, and launch of automotive body structure components from pre-program through production launch. This role will focus on upper body sheet metal systems, including roof structures, pillars, quarter panels, and bodyside upper components, ensuring all designs meet vehicle performance, safety, manufacturing, and cost objectives.Responsibilities:Understand structural design to meet vehicle attributes including FMVSS, NVH and SafetyLead Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating in supplier selection to achieve program targetsDevelop component designs that meet customer requirements, and Vehicle Operations manufacturing requirementsInterface with engineers of surrounding components and systems (seats, electrical, etc)Release 3-D CAD that meets system design requirementsSupport supplier and CAE testing of structure and closure designs prior to toolingKick off tooling, supplier part manufacturing, part layout, and part testingLead prototype vehicle level build support for structuresManage Final Engineering Sign-off and production vehicle launch at assembly plants Requirements:Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineeringExcellent communication skills, both oral and written5 years of experience as Structures D&R EngineerExperience designing, developing, and releasing automotive sheet metal components from concept through productionAdditional experience includes: creating and reviewing CAD geometry, supporting stamping feasibility, coordinating with suppliers, and manufacturing teams, resolving quality concerns, conducting competitive benchmarking studies, and managing engineering changes while meeting cost, weight, timing, and durability requirements.Understanding of vehicle body structural performance requirements and development of upper body structures that meet roof crush, side impact, durability, and stiffness targets.Preferred:Skills:DMAIC and DFSS principlesReview and sign off of component drawings and gaging practices8D, fishbone, and DOE problem solving methodologyBoundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA & SCCAFsCAE models and CAD drawings reviewFailure Mode AvoidanceDVP&R maintenance and sign-off on DV tests – including FMVSS requirementsMicrosoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point)Executing threaded fastener joint designs and testsExperience performing CAE correlation reviews, optimizing reinforcement strategies, working with safety and attribute teams, and developing roof and pillar structures to achieve regulatory and vehicle performance requirementsWorking knowledge of Catia V5/V6 and/or 3DX CAD","datePosted":"2026-08-29T09:15:49.356Z","dateModified":"2026-08-29T09:15:49.356Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Epitec","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Dearborn","addressRegion":"MI","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"239c4e27c69ef79f072cdf4e"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/239c4e27c69ef79f072cdf4e"}}