Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Overhead Systems

Key Responsibilities & Tasks:

• Lead end-to-end design release of Overhead Systems components (Headliner, Sun Visor, Grab Handle, Overhead Console, Interior Lighting, Microphones, Cameras) across Client vehicle programs. 
• Own and manage all technical data across Client systems: 3D/2D CAD releases, GD&T drawings, PBOM/eBOM, piece numbers, and engineering documentation throughout the full execution phase. 
• Drive supplier engagement through all APQP gates: design reviews, DFMEA development, tooling feasibility, APQP deliverable tracking, timing management, and cost/quality alignment. 
• Build, own, and actively manage DVP&R plans; coordinate and validate test execution for durability, environmental, thermal, NVH, abuse, and safety requirements; track open items and drive closure with suppliers.
• Lead and participate in DFMEA development with suppliers; ensure DFMEA sign-off aligns with tooling release gates per Client APQP requirements. 
• Support prototype builds (Mule, VP, PPAP, Launch) to resolve fit, finish, function, and integration issues; attend in-plant build events at supplier and assembly facilities as required.
• Manage tooling milestone gates (T1/T2/T3); coordinate tooling release sign-off, dimensional approval, CMM reviews, and PPAP/PSW submission per Client APQP gate requirements. 
• Apply formal root cause analysis tools (5-Why, KT, Red X) to diagnose and permanently resolve design, material, and manufacturing issues; lead corrective action with suppliers. 
• Manage engineering changes end-to-end: initiate, evaluate, and close CNs/ECNs in Teamcenter; assess cost, weight, and timing impact; coordinate cross-functional approval. 
• Define part breakup, assembly sequence, and master sections for the Program of Record (POR); develop source packages including PBOM, eBOM, tech sheets, and DVP&R.
• Perform packaging, manufacturing, and assembly feasibility studies for OHS components; evaluate DFM/DFMA compliance and drive design optimization with suppliers. 
• Support In/Out/Explo decision-making using standard decision matrices (quality, cost, timing, performance); synthesize program requirements including financial targets, weight budgets, and complexity with theme styling.
• Maintain issue logbooks; present top open issues and risk status to management weekly; lead crossfunctional actions to closure. 
• Conduct benchmarking studies as required; identify cost reduction and value optimization opportunities throughout the program lifecycle. 

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field. 

Preferred Experience Essential:

• 8+ years of Product Design & Development experience in automotive Interior Trim and/or Lighting Components, with direct DRE executionphase experience on Overhead Systems (Headliner, Sun Visor, Grab Handle, Overhead Console, Interior Lighting, Microphones, Cameras). 
• Expert proficiency in CAD tools (CATIA V5/V6 or NX/UG) for 3D design release, 2D drawing creation, GD&T application, and master section development.
• Expert-level proficiency in PLM/PDM systems (Teamcenter); full ownership of eBOM/PBOM structure, piece number management, and CN/ECN processing throughout execution phase. 
• Deep knowledge of DFM/DFMA principles and DFMEA development; proven ability to lead DFMEA sign-off with suppliers aligned to Client APQP gate requirements. 
• In-depth knowledge of automotive interior component manufacturing processes (injection molding, compression molding, plastic welding, foaming, vacuum forming, thermoforming); experience managing tooling milestones (T1/T2/T3), dimensional approval, and CMM reviews through to PPAP/PSW. 
• Demonstrated ownership of DVP&R plans: build, track, and close test execution for durability, environmental, thermal, NVH, abuse, and safety requirements; experience with PBOM/eBOM management and full technical documentation suite.
• Ability to interpret feasibility criteria for styling and engineering integration; proficiency with formal root cause analysis tools (5-Why, KT, Red X) to drive permanent corrective actions. 
• Proven leadership in resolving complex cross-functional design issues; ability to mentor junior engineers and act as technical authority for OHS system on program.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to lead design reviews, escalate risks to senior management, and align cross-functional teams including Styling, Safety, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Quality. 
• Ability to manage full supplier lifecycle: technical reviews, APQP gate tracking, DFMEA, DVP&R coordination, tooling release, PPAP/PSW, and in-plant support for prototype builds and program launch.
• Expert-level knowledge in manufacturing and assembly feasibility, with demonstrated experience driving DFM optimization from concept through production ramp. 

Desirable:

• Work experience with International Tier 1 and OEMs.
• Extensive in-plant experience including tool tryouts (T1/T2/T3), prototype builds (Mule, VP, PPAP, Launch), assembly line support, and program launch activities at supplier and OEM facilities.

Language Requirements:

• Essential: English Software skill requirement
• Knowledge in UG/NX & Team center.
• Knowledge in MS-Office or Google G-Suite.

Recommended Additional Skills:

• Familiarity with Client -specific processes and milestones (SOP readiness reviews, Client APQP phases and gates, eVIEW/ePDM, Teamcenter authoring). 
• Experience in the full sourcing process (In/Out/Explo, RFQ packages, supplier selection, SOR/SOW development) and knowledge of weight management and mass sign-off processes.