Design Release Engineer

This role focuses on owning and executing design and release engineering activities for internal combustion engine powertrain systems at both the component and system level. The Design Release Engineer develops and manages design changes, supports validation and launch activities, and collaborates closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, compliant, and timely delivery of engine sub-systems. The position requires strong technical expertise in engine systems, proficiency with CAD and PLM tools, and hands-on experience with product development processes and launch support., * Perform design and release engineering activities for engine components and systems, ensuring robust and compliant designs at both component and system levels.

• Follow the Design Change Checklist for each part to determine and plan required Design Verification (DV) and Production Validation (PV) activities.
• Execute CAD and CAE updates as required to support design changes and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R) for engine systems and components.
• Manage interactions with new suppliers in coordination with the Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) team, ensuring technical alignment and timely delivery.
• Create and maintain detailed development work plans that align with overall program timing and milestones.
• Support and maintain the engine Bill of Materials (BOM), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with program requirements.
• Perform WERS releases and actively participate in change control processes to manage engineering changes.
• Move multiple parts across various engine platforms to alternative suppliers while maintaining design integrity and performance requirements.
• Focus on powertrain systems including, but not limited to, base engine, exhaust and after-treatment, turbochargers and air induction, thermal systems, and fuel, ignition, and evaporative emissions systems, as well as other internal combustion engine powertrain systems.
• Own the engine sub-system design release process using OEM Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems such as Teamcenter and CATIA.
• Approve drawings, BOMs, part numbers, and configuration content to ensure they meet engineering and program standards.
• Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), ensuring proper documentation and implementation.
• Evaluate and communicate the impact of design changes on cost, quality, emissions, and timing, and ensure stakeholders understand these impacts.
• Lead validation activities, including planning and execution of DV/PV testing such as durability, thermal, NVH, performance, and emissions testing.
• Lead engine sub-system Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities, including DFMEA, PFMEA, SCAAFS, Control Plans, and related deliverables.
• Coordinate prototype, mule, and pre-production engine builds, ensuring parts, designs, and documentation are ready and correct.
• Support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) readiness and launch activities to ensure a smooth transition to production.
• Ensure quality and compliance are maintained throughout the design and release process and perform risk management activities to identify and mitigate potential issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including validation, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers, to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in engine sub-systems., The role operates within a structured automotive product development environment focused on internal combustion engine and powertrain systems. You will work extensively with OEM Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems such as Teamcenter and CAD tools like CATIA to manage designs, configurations, and releases. The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams including validation, manufacturing, quality, and supplier support, as well as interaction with external suppliers and STA teams. Work typically follows program timing and launch schedules, requiring careful planning and coordination around key milestones such as prototype, mule, pre-production builds, and production launch. The environment emphasizes rigorous change control, quality, and compliance, with frequent use of tools and processes such as WERS, APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, SCAAFS, Control Plans, DV/PV testing, and PPAP. Dress expectations align with a professional engineering setting, with typical office attire and appropriate safety wear when visiting labs, test facilities, or production-related areas. Job Type & Location

Visionary Leadership Innovation Powertrain Mitigation Coordinating Communication Change Control Systems Design Risk Management Problem Solving Thermal Systems Bill Of Materials Thermal Management Design Verification Release Engineering Technical Leadership Technical Assistance Supplier Development Mechanical Engineering Automotive Engineering Change Control Process New Product Development Manufacturing Processes Artificial Intelligence R (Programming Language) Engineering Change Order Teamcenter (PLM Software) Critical Illness Insurance Internal Combustion Engines Product Lifecycle Management Continuous Improvement Process Milestones (Project Management) Production Part Approval Process Advanced Product Quality Planning Design Failure Mode And Effects Analysis Noise Vibration And Harshness (Automotive) Design Verification Plan And Report (DVP&R) Process Failure Mode And Effects Analysis (PFMEA) Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA), * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering field.

• 3 to 6+ years of Design Release Engineer (DRE) experience in any commodity, demonstrating ownership of design and release activities.
• Prior experience in design release or technical leadership roles within an engineering environment.
• Strong knowledge of engine systems, materials, and manufacturing processes relevant to internal combustion powertrain systems.
• Hands-on experience with APQP, including DFMEA, PFMEA, SCAAFS, Control Plans, and related quality tools.
• Experience with PPAP and product launch support for automotive or engine systems.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, particularly CATIA, for creating and updating engineering designs.
• Proficiency with PLM tools such as Teamcenter for managing product data, configurations, and design releases.
• Ability to manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and navigate formal change control processes.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and communicate the impact of design changes on cost, quality, emissions, and timing.
• Experience working within an OEM environment, including familiarity with OEM-specific PLM systems and processes.
• Ford-specific experience working with their tools, processes, or engine programs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or a related engineering field is beneficial.
• Experience supporting or leading validation activities, including DV/PV testing for durability, thermal, NVH, performance, and emissions.
• Experience in managing supplier interactions and supporting supplier development with STA or similar teams.
• Experience coordinating prototype, mule, and pre-production builds for engine or powertrain systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks and implement effective mitigation plans.
• Solid communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting technical information clearly.
• Familiarity with WERS or similar systems for release and change control in an automotive context., Allen Park, MI*Remote Visionary Leadership Innovation Unit Testing Communication Presentations Cyber Security Problem Solving Software Design Vehicle Systems Embedded Software Power Electronics Urine Drug Screen Safety Procedures Project Management Power Distribution Quality Management Electrical Systems Structured Product DC to DC Converter Root Cause Analysis Systems Engineering System Requirements Integration Testing Release Engineering Product Engineering Software Validation Software Engineering Software Development Computer Engineering On-Board Diagnostics Organizational Skills Electrical Engineering New Product Development Artificial Intelligence Technical Documentation Requirements Management R (Programming Language) Critical Illness Insurance Verbal Communication Skills OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) Software Development Life Cycle Product Software Implementation Method +0

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This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI. Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/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) Workplace Type

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