Design and Release Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Handles, Locks, and Mechanisms (HLM) Design & Release Engineer to support the design, development, validation, release, and implementation of automotive closure mechanisms. This role focuses on components used in vehicle doors, hoods, frunks, tailgates, liftgates, and decklids.

The engineer will work closely with suppliers and cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, and purchasing teams to deliver robust, cost-effective, and high-quality products that meet vehicle requirements, design standards, safety regulations, and production timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and release of HLM components, including handles, latches, locks, strikers, hinges, door checks, and manual or powered mechanisms.
• Manage suppliers to achieve program targets for cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing.
• Develop and maintain engineering CAD models, drawings, Bill of Materials (BOM), and product release documentation.
• Review and approve CAD models using CATIA and Teamcenter.
• Manage engineering releases and revisions through FEDEBOM and WERS throughout the product lifecycle.
• Evaluate component packaging, clearances, dimensional stack-ups, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and vehicle interface requirements.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to validate system interfaces, manufacturing feasibility, NVH, water management, craftsmanship, and crash safety requirements.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including DFMEAs, PFMEAs, SCCAFs, boundary diagrams, P-diagrams, and DVP&Rs.
• Identify and coordinate functional, durability, and validation testing requirements.
• Lead technical design reviews and present engineering analyses, recommendations, and project updates to peers and management.
• Develop Engineering Statements of Work (ESOW), engineering concepts, and support sourcing activities, including piece-cost and tooling-cost reviews.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods such as 8D, Ford A3-8D, and 5 Why.
• Support supplier readiness, phased PPAP, production approval, and manufacturing launch activities.
• Assist with engineering issues at supplier facilities, Ford assembly plants, and other manufacturing locations.
• Drive design improvements to enhance product quality, durability, manufacturability, cost, and weight.
• Manage engineering changes while maintaining product quality, configuration accuracy, and program timing.
• Travel domestically and internationally to supplier manufacturing and testing facilities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in product design, development, or launch of automotive mechanisms. Relevant internships and coursework may be considered.
• Experience with one or more of the following:
• • Automotive latching systems, including side-door, tailgate, or liftgate latches.
  • Automotive Product Engineering or Design & Release Engineering.
  • Body closure systems.
  • Seat mechanisms or seat structures.
  • Mechanism product design for farming, oil drilling, heavy construction, or aircraft landing gear applications.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA, 3DX, or Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with CAE tools, engineering analysis, and CAD-based packaging studies.
• Understanding of mechanical design, materials, manufacturing processes, GD&T, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Ability to manage CAD releases, BOM structures, assembly positioning, and mass attribute analysis.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering issues and work effectively in a cross-functional environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and releasing automotive latching mechanisms, closure systems, seat mechanisms, or related mechanical systems.
• Experience with DFMEA, PFMEA, SCCAF, DVP&R, and phased PPAP processes.
• Knowledge of WERS, FEDEBOM, Teamcenter, VisMockup, and engineering change-control processes.
• Familiarity with CAE analysis, statistical analysis, and validation testing.
• Experience with 8D, 5 Why, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies; Green Belt-level experience or certification is a plus.
• Understanding of supplier manufacturing processes, production readiness, and assembly plant launch activities.
• Experience with mechatronics and software-related engineering applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing vehicle requirements, design targets, manufacturing constraints, and project priorities.

Education

• Required: Bachelor's degree.
• Preferred: Master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.

G-TECH Services, Inc. is a leading certified recruitment and placement firm that specializes in providing highly skilled staff in technical fields such as engineering, IT, procurement, finance and accounting. We have well-established relationships with some of the most respected companies in the country and know our clients' job requirements and corporate cultures. Once we understand your experience and career aspirations, we aim to connect you with the right opportunity.