Design Release Engineer

Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Interior/Exterior Plastic Trim SystemsPosition SummarySeeking an experienced Design Release Engineer (DRE) to lead the design, development, release, and integration of Interior and Exterior Plastic Trim Systems for automotive vehicle programs. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with injection molded plastic components, CAD-based product development, supplier management, and cross-functional vehicle integration from concept through production launch.Key ResponsibilitiesLead design, development, validation, and release of Interior and Exterior Trim components including hard trim, overhead systems, pillars, cockpit storage bins, trim covers, speaker mounts, exterior trim panels, and related assemblies.Own component engineering activities throughout the product lifecycle, including requirements definition, design execution, testing, validation, launch support, and engineering change management.Develop products that meet performance, quality, cost, mass, timing, manufacturability, ergonomics, and regulatory requirements (FMVSS/NHTSA).Create and manage CAD product definitions, interfaces, packaging studies, 2D/3D drawings, GD&T, stack-up analyses, and release documentation.Coordinate with Design Studio, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, Body Engineering, Electrical, HVAC, Restraints, and Vehicle Integration teams.Lead supplier technical reviews, design reviews, DFMEA/PFMEA activities, validation planning, PPAP deliverables, and issue resolution.Support prototype builds, DV/PV testing, launch activities, and structured problem-solving related to fit, finish, durability, ergonomics, and warranty concerns.Manage engineering changes, BOM structures, part releases, effectivity, and configuration control within PLM systems.Required QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.5+ years of automotive DRE, Product Development, or Trim Engineering experience.Strong experience with Interior and/or Exterior Plastic Trim Systems.Hands-on experience with injection molded and/or compression molded plastic components.Proficiency with NX and/or CATIA V5 for product development and engineering releases.Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, DFMEA, PFMEA, APQP, PPAP, and engineering change management.Knowledge of plastic materials, tooling, manufacturing feasibility, and assembly processes.Understanding of FMVSS, NHTSA, and automotive product development requirements.Proven ability to work with suppliers and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced vehicle development environment.Preferred QualificationsPrevious OEM Design Release Engineer (DRE) experience.Experience with PLM systems, eBOM/TKO management, and release processes.Knowledge of Six Sigma, DFSS, Red-X, or other structured problem-solving methodologies.Experience supporting prototype builds, vehicle launches, and production readiness activities.Key SkillsInterior & Exterior Trim SystemsInjection Molded PlasticsNX / CATIA V5GD&T & Tolerance AnalysisAPQP / PPAPDFMEA / PFMEAProduct Release & Change ManagementSupplier ManagementVehicle Packaging & IntegrationProblem Solving & Root Cause Analysis