Design Release Engineer

Job Title: Design Release Engineer

Location: Auburn Hills, MI

Job Description:

The Design Release Engineer for powertrain sealing components/systems is responsible for the design, development, and technical leadership in the creation, validation, and release of sealing components/systems for vehicles. The role involves driving the design through all phases of the product lifecycle, including design concept, engineering validation, and production release through PPAP (Production Part Approval Process).

Key Responsibilities:

Design & Development:

• Lead the design of sealing components, ensuring alignment with vehicle and powertrain requirements.
• Develop and refine concepts for various sealing components, such as O-rings, PIP gaskets, rear seal retainers, etc… based on functional, safety, and performance requirements.
• Support CAD modeling, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), and other design validation methods to ensure sealing integrity and compliance with standards.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams (electrical, thermal, packaging) to integrate sealing components into the overall powertrain architecture.

Release & Program Management:

• Manage design release activities from early concept through production, including the timely completion of B-Sample, C-Sample, X0, X1, X2, and X3 milestones.
• Own the Bill of Materials (BOM) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) for powertrain sealing components.
• Ensure all parts meet quality, cost, and timing requirements.
• Drive the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for powertrain sealing components, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and customer specifications.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, suppliers, and quality, to ensure the successful release and implementation of designs.

Technical Guidance & Problem Solving:

• Provide technical leadership and support during the development and production stages to resolve design issues, material selection challenges, and process-related problems.
• Lead DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and other risk assessment activities to ensure design robustness and mitigate potential issues.
• Participate in the development of testing strategies for powertrain sealing components.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with suppliers to ensure design feasibility, cost competitiveness, and manufacturability of powertrain sealing components.
• Collaborate with validation teams to define and implement validation testing, ensuring powertrain sealing components meet functional and performance metrics.
• Partner with vehicle integration teams to ensure proper fitment, safety, and integration of powertrain sealing components into the overall vehicle platform.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including design specifications, drawings, test plans, and validation reports.
• Ensure that all technical documentation is up-to-date and aligns with program timelines and PPAP requirements.
• Report on project status, timelines, and risk assessments to senior management and stakeholders.

Key Must Have's:

• Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited school or equivalent.
• 5+ years of relevant experience working with design and manufacturing of sealing or related components
• Working experience in creation and execution of validation plans
• Critical character traits to ensure success: Action Oriented, Dealing with Ambiguity, Customer Focus, Problem Solving.
• Working experience with 3D cad programs, preferably Siemens NX
• Relevant experience working with various sealing components and systems.
• Understanding of sealing components and related manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of product development documentation such as, DFMEA and DVP&R
• Understanding of Mechanics of Materials, Sealing systems, CAE Analysis, and GD&T
• Experience in selecting materials and manufacturing methods for sealing components.