Exterior Plastics Design Release Engineer

Job Title: Bumper Fascia, Grille and Trim Design Release Engineer (Mechanical)

Job Description

This role supports future automotive programs as a Design Release Engineer, taking assigned bumper, fascia, grille, and exterior trim components through the full product development lifecycle from initial design through production and warranty. You will act as the program owner for your parts, coordinating quality, timing, and development milestones while driving cross-functional alignment and change across the organization and supply base. The position focuses primarily on plastic and chrome exterior components and requires strong mechanical engineering, program management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete product development lifecycle for assigned bumper, fascia, grille, and exterior trim components from concept through production and warranty.
• Act as the program manager for assigned parts, ensuring quality, timing, cost, and development milestones are achieved.
• Research, design, develop, manufacture, and test mechanical components, tools, and systems related to exterior body parts.
• Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, and manuals to determine technical feasibility, timing, and cost for completing projects.
• Investigate equipment or component failures and operational issues, diagnose root causes, and recommend corrective actions to relevant teams.
• Collaborate closely with suppliers and internal teams, maintaining regular communication to resolve issues and drive progress.
• Assist drafters and designers in developing the structural and mechanical design of products using appropriate tools, equipment, and software.
• Create and review engineering drawings, sketches, and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Interpret and apply information from blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports to guide design and development.
• Support new product development and body engineering initiatives, particularly for exterior plastic and body components.
• Use program management skills to coordinate cross-functional activities, manage risks, and drive timely issue resolution.
• Participate in on-site work at supplier locations as needed to support development, validation, and launch activities.
• Ensure that all assigned components meet performance, durability, safety, and regulatory requirements throughout the development process.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (not engineering technology) is required.
• 5–7 years of experience in engineering, program management, new product development, or design release engineering.
• Experience in automotive body engineering or product engineering, particularly with exterior components.
• Experience with bumpers, fascia, grilles, or exterior trim components; at least 3 years of experience in these areas is preferred.
• Strong program management skills with the ability to drive change across multiple groups and suppliers.
• Proficiency with design and mechanical engineering tools and concepts, including mechanical design of plastic and chrome parts.
• Ability to create sketches and engineering drawings and perform common engineering computations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated engineering reports.
• Previous experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software or similar engineering applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities applied to mechanical and product engineering challenges.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team player with strong attention to detail.

This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI.

The pay range for this position is $47.00 - $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Warren,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $47 - $55