Design Release Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Component DRI (Directly Responsible Individual) / Design Release Engineer (DRE) to own the end-to-end development of low-voltage electronic components within next-generation vehicle platforms. This individual will serve as the "CEO of the component," driving design, validation, supplier management, systems integration, and production readiness from concept through launch. The ideal candidate has experience owning automotive components through the full product development lifecycle and is comfortable working across suppliers, engineering teams, manufacturing, and program management functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Own a specific low-voltage electronic component throughout the entire product lifecycle from concept to production release.
• Serve as the technical lead and primary point of contact for Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.
• Drive component design and development to meet functional, regulatory, performance, reliability, and aesthetic requirements.
• Lead supplier validation activities, including development and execution of DVP&R (Design Verification Plan & Report) testing.
• Ensure component durability, reliability, and compliance requirements are successfully validated.
• Coordinate closely with cross-functional stakeholders including:
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Purchasing / Finance
• Industrial Design / Styling
• Manage program timing and milestone execution throughout the product development process (GPDS or similar development framework).
• Release and maintain CAD data and engineering documentation.
• Drive engineering changes, issue resolution, and ECR/ECO management.
• Track and manage BOM accuracy, component cost, mass, and quality targets.
• Support vehicle-level integration, troubleshooting, and validation activities. Lead root cause investigations and drive timely corrective actions.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of automotive product development experience.
• Experience owning a component, subsystem, or product through design, validation, and release.
• Strong understanding of Design Release Engineering (DRE) principles and automotive development processes.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on component development and issue resolution.
• Hands-on knowledge of DVP&R planning, execution, and validation signoff.
• Experience managing engineering changes, releases, BOMs, and product documentation.
• Ability to balance technical, program timing, quality, and cost objectives simultaneously.
• Strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience supporting issue resolution during development, testing, and launch phases.
• Previous experience as a:
• Design Release Engineer (DRE)
• Component Engineer
• Responsible Engineer (RE)
• Product Design Engineer
• EV, battery electric vehicle, or automotive electronics experience.
• Experience with low-voltage electrical systems, modules, sensors, actuators, switches, ECUs, or body electronics.
• Familiarity with CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, or vehicle network architectures.
• Experience with GPDS or other OEM product development frameworks.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and production launch activities.
• Understanding of cost, weight, and sourcing optimization. Experience working at an OEM or Tier 1 automotive supplier.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].