Design Release Engineer III

Location: Warren, MI

Contract Length: 12 Months (Strong Potential for Extension and/or Direct Hire)

Compensation: $60–$65/hour + PTO and Optional Benefits

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 1st Shift

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 Days Onsite / 2 Days Remote)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Design Release Engineer III to support the development, release, and continuous improvement of exterior vehicle systems, including bumpers, grilles, fascias, and trim components. This role will be responsible for managing component development from concept through production launch while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions.

The ideal candidate will possess Design Release Engineering experience within the automotive industry and demonstrate strong technical leadership, problem-solving, and project coordination skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and release activities for exterior vehicle components, including bumpers, grilles, fascias, and trim systems.
• Manage component development throughout the product lifecycle, from concept and design through launch and production support.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including:
• Design Studio
• Program Management
• Purchasing
• Supplier Quality
• Manufacturing
• External Suppliers
• Maintain engineering documentation, part releases, and assigned bill of materials (BOMs).
• Ensure project milestones are achieved on schedule while meeting quality, cost, and performance objectives.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions related to warranty, manufacturing, assembly, and field issues.
• Facilitate Product Development Team (PDT) meetings and drive issue resolution across stakeholders.
• Support quality improvement initiatives, cost-reduction projects, and design optimization efforts.
• Participate in regular cross-functional meetings to communicate project status, risks, and resolutions.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership throughout the development process.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience.
• Experience in Design Release Engineering (DRE).
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including:
• Excel
• Word
• PowerPoint
• Project
• Visio
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive industry experience.
• Experience working within GM systems, processes, and product development cycles.
• Knowledge of exterior vehicle systems and components.
• Experience supporting program engineering or product development activities.

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule:
• Remote on Mondays and Fridays
• Onsite Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• Additional onsite support may be required based on project needs.
• Core working hours are approximately 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Collaborative, team-oriented engineering environment.
• Up to 10–20% travel within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as required.

Why Join This Opportunity?

• Work on highly visible exterior vehicle components that directly impact customer experience and vehicle appearance.
• Gain exposure to program management, cross-functional leadership, and vehicle development processes.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and supplier teams across the organization.
• Strong potential for contract extension and future direct-hire opportunities based on performance and business needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), including Disability/Veterans

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