Design Release Engineer

Location: Auburn Hills, MI (hybrid on-site 5 days per week)

Pay: $47.81 per hour

About the role

Lead the design, development, validation, and release of HVAC refrigerant loop components—compressors, A/C lines, and valves—while coordinating activities with cross-functional teams in Powertrain, Aero/Thermal, Body-in-White (BIW), Engine Cooling, Manufacturing, and suppliers.

Create and maintain engineering documentation: specifications, requirements, source packages, change notices, and DVP&Rs. Analyze test results, support CFD and FEA studies, and drive corrective actions to meet performance and durability targets. Support pilot builds, pre-production launches, and assembly-plant activities for HVAC component installation and validation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, validate, and release HVAC refrigerant loop components (compressors, A/C lines, valves).
• Coordinate development activities with Powertrain, Aero/Thermal, BIW, Engine Cooling, Manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Maintain engineering documentation: specifications, requirements, source packages, change notices, DVP&Rs.
• Analyze test results; support CFD and FEA studies; drive corrective actions.
• Support pilot builds, pre-production launches, and assembly-plant validation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline from an ABET-accredited university.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience with HVAC systems, refrigerant loops, compressors, A/C lines, or related automotive thermal components.
• Proficiency with CATIA and/or Siemens NX (Unigraphics).
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, product-development processes, and supplier management.
• Basic thermodynamics knowledge.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving and results-driven mindset.

Benefits

• Work on advanced automotive HVAC and thermal-management technologies, including EV thermal systems, e-compressors, and chillers.
• High-visibility role with ownership from concept through production launch.
• Collaboration with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Opportunity to expand technical expertise and leadership skills in a dynamic automotive environment.