Body Exterior Design Release Engineer

About the Role

This position interacts with all stages of part development from initial CAD drawings through studio and surface development, prototyping, testing, feasibility, tooling, manufacturing, and launch. You will lead the development and execution of product verification plans and provide final engineering sign-off. The role involves ensuring timelines are met throughout the 3-year product development lifecycle, attending supplier manufacturing sites, and traveling to assembly plants for launch support during initial builds.

This is a meeting-heavy role requiring hands-on involvement with prototype parts and participation in testing and validation stages. You will collaborate with internal teams such as Program Management, Costing, Tooling, Systems, and Vehicle Integration to represent parts through the product development lifecycle. The role involves balancing pressures from internal and external groups regarding cost, weight, functionality, manufacturability, and component sizing, ultimately ensuring part release while managing stakeholder expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of product verification plans and final engineering sign-off.
• Ensure adherence to timelines across the 3-year product development lifecycle.
• Attend supplier manufacturing sites and travel to assembly plants to assist in initial builds.
• Collaborate with testing and validation engineering to ensure components meet requirements.
• Engage hands-on with prototype parts during testing and validation stages.
• Work with internal teams (Program Management, Costing, Tooling, Systems, Vehicle Integration) to represent parts through the product development lifecycle.
• Balance pressures from internal and external stakeholders regarding cost, weight, functionality, manufacturability, and sizing of components.

Requirements

• Experience in design and release, particularly for exterior systems.
• Proficiency in new product development and CATIA.
• Familiarity with components such as glass, trim, plastics, wipers, ornamentation, bumpers, fascias, black trim, and lighting.
• Intermediate-level experience in the field.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $50.00 per hour. Individual compensation within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, and internal equity.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available).
• Life Insurance (voluntary life and AD&D for employees and dependents).
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time off/leave (PTO, vacation, or sick leave).

Schedule

This is a hybrid position based in Clawson, MI.