Design Release Engineer - Exterior Trims

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Design Release Engineer (DRE) with strong expertise in Body Exterior Trim systems to lead the design, development, validation, and release of exterior components for automotive programs. The role involves managing component development from concept through production launch, ensuring compliance with performance, quality, timing, cost, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate should possess hands-on experience in exterior plastic components, supplier management, engineering change management, product validation, and CAD/PLM tools within a vehicle development environment.

Responsibilities

Product Design & Development

• Lead the design and development of Body Exterior Trim components including:
  • Front and Rear Bumpers
  • Grilles
  • Bumper Mounting Brackets
  • Wheel Arch Flares
  • Wheel Liners
  • Claddings
  • Roof Rails/Roof Racks
  • Side Steps
  • Spoilers
  • Belly Pans
  • Functional Plastic Components
  • Badges and Decorative Components
• Perform concept development, feasibility studies, package reviews, and engineering assessments.
• Develop and maintain master sections and ensure compliance with vehicle architecture requirements.
• Drive component optimization for cost, weight, quality, manufacturability, and performance.

Engineering Release & Change Management

• Own engineering release activities and maintain product structures throughout the development lifecycle.
• Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), design modifications, release documentation, and product updates.
• Ensure timely creation and release of drawings, BOMs, and engineering documentation.
• Support tooling release readiness and production implementation activities.

Validation & Quality

• Develop and execute Engineering Design Validation (DV) and Process Validation (PV) plans.
• Coordinate design reviews, DFMEA activities, risk assessments, and issue resolution.
• Support APQP and quality convergence activities with suppliers and internal teams.
• Investigate and resolve product issues during prototype, pilot, and launch phases.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Styling, Vehicle Integration, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Validation teams.
• Coordinate with suppliers to resolve technical challenges and ensure program milestones are achieved.
• Support benchmarking activities and competitive assessments.
• Drive effective communication and reporting across stakeholders throughout project execution.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable automotive regulations and homologation requirements related to exterior trim systems.
• Support documentation and evidence required for regulatory approvals.

Program & BOM Management

• Manage BOM structures, complexity management, and configuration control.
• Track project deliverables, timing plans, risks, and engineering KPIs.
• Support lifecycle activities including cost reduction, quality improvements, and product updates.

Qualifications

B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech in Automotive/Mechanical/Production Engg.

Essential skills

Technical Expertise

• Strong experience in design and development of automotive Body Exterior Trim components.
• Good understanding of:
  • Plastic part design and manufacturing processes
  • Injection molding and tooling development
  • Painted, chrome-plated, and textured/as-molded plastic components
  • DFM/DFA principles
  • GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Experience in component validation, DFMEA, APQP, and product launch activities.
• Knowledge of automotive development processes and engineering release workflows.

CAD & PLM Tools

• Proficiency in UG NX for design and engineering activities.
• Hands-on experience with Teamcenter / PLM systems.
• Experience with ENOVIA is preferred.
• Exposure to CATIA is an added advantage.

Soft Skills

• Strong supplier management and technical review capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and global development teams.
• Strong communication, planning, and project coordination skills.

Experience

6- 8 years