Design Release Engineer - Vehicle Handles Locks Mechanisms

Company introductionWe are a global automotive manufacturer committed to delivering innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We bring breakthrough products and services that delight our customers, with opportunities around the world to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more.Role summary / purposeThe HLM Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, release, and implementation of handles, locks, and mechanisms into vehicle closures including hoods, frunks, side doors, tailgates, liftgates, and decklids. You will drive design improvements to increase quality and optimize cost and weight throughout development and the production life of the products. You will lead suppliers and guide the design of HLM components while achieving compliance with requirements, design rules, and manufacturing assembly requirements.Key responsibilitiesLead HLM system design and development within different organizations to deliver regulatory requirements, design rules, and functional deliverablesManage and lead HLM suppliers to comply with program cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targetsUnderstand the Global Product Development System and create plans to deliver on timeCollaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver a robust system at vehicle level, ensuring all system interfaces are evaluated and validatedCreate and present technical presentations for peer and management reviewsPerform and/or review sign-off technical analyses of component/system functional and packaging studies including dimensional stackups, GDT layouts, CAE, dynamic calculations, and simulationsActively participate in Technical Design ReviewsRelease and update parts in FEDEBOM and WERS through the product life cycleReview and sign-off CAD in TeamcenterCompile, document, sign-off, and present evidence of compliance to all applicable design rules and requirementsDevelop HLM System documents including DFMEAs, SCCAF, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, and DVPRsLead design reviews based on Failure Mode AvoidanceDevelop ESOW, Engineering concepts, and participate in the Sourcing Process, SOBA, and EDT review for piece cost and tooling costIdentify validation, durability, and functional tests required per SDS, ES, DVP, and FEDEAddress issues with root cause analysis, 8Ds, 5Why, and permanent corrective actions implementationApply knowledge of Six Sigma principlesDefine and verify engineering prototypes requirements at part levelAssist with parts implementation and sign-off at assembly plants and quality issues at all milestonesReview impact of PDL revisions and proceed accordingly if affectedCollaborate with STA with technical assistance through the Supplier Engagement ProcessLead HLM system on vehicle launches at supplier, Ford Assembly, and other manufacturing plantsTravel to supplier, manufacturing, and testing sites when requiredRequirements - education & experienceBachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a related field2 years of engineering experience in design, development, or launch of automotive mechanisms (can include experience from internships and coursework)Experience in one or more of the following areas: Automotive latching systems such as side door latching, tailgate/liftgate latch, or latching systemsAutomotive product engineer and/or design release engineerBody closures systemsSeat mechanism and/or seat structuresFarming and/or oil drilling mechanism product designAirplane landing gear mechanism product engineeringHeavy construction mechanism product engineeringProficiency in MS Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MS Teams, and MS Azure SharePointAbility to travel domestically and internationallyDemonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficientlyDemonstrated ability to show initiative and prioritize workloadRequired skillsCAD capability such as CATIA 3DX with Teamcenter familiarity and CAE tools and softwareProduct engineering - integrate requirements, design, validation, supplier, and manufacturing inputs into production-ready solutionsRoot cause analysis - use data, testing, and structured analysis to confirm and resolve technical root causesSix Sigma methodology - use data-driven methods to improve quality, reliability, and process performanceVisMockup - use digital mockup tools to verify packaging, clearances, assembly access, and mechanism motionWERS - create and maintain part releases, BOM data, engineering changes, and effectivityProduction release - complete accurate, timely releases of parts, drawings, specifications, BOMs, and revisionsManagement of product release, CAD, and BOM structures including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysisFacilitation of supplier data integration and development of CAD studies to support and drive design improvementsNice-to-have / preferred skillsExperience in design and release of latching mechanisms, closure systems, or related mechanism applications like seat and seat structuresSoftware literacy and mechatronics experienceStrong understanding of statistical analysis8D and 5Why corrective action and problem-solving skillsExperience with DFMEAs, PFMEAs, and SCAFsKnowledge of the Phased PPAP processDetailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and GDTAbility to work in a fluid environment when overall vehicle targets, size, appearance, and manufacturing location are not always knownAbility to solve complex system issues and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization existsEffective oral and written communication skillsAbility to adapt your role to a variety of applications and issues as requiredSix Sigma Green Belt certificationEmployment details - type, location, hoursThis is a fully onsite position based in Dearborn, Michigan. The role requires onsite presence 5 days a week in office and/or at Ford plant facilities. Occasional travel to supplier test facilities, supplier and Ford stamping/assembly plants may be required. Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions. If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting HR-InfoImpellamNA@impellam.com or fill out this form to request accommodations.