Design Release Engineer - SLM (Smart Lighting Module)

The Smart Lighting Module (SLM) Design Release Engineer (DRE) role at Stellantis (typically based in Auburn Hills, Michigan) is a multi-disciplinary automotive engineering position. This role bridges mechanical design, electrical/electronic module integration, and lighting technology.

The breakdown of the job description, core responsibilities, and qualifications required for this position at Stellantis includes:

Core Position Overview

The SLM DRE is responsible for end-to-end product development, implementation, validation, and production release of smart automotive lighting electronics, components, or feature architectures. This encompasses translating styling themes from the Product Design Office (PDO) into functional, manufacturable, and regulatory-compliant smart lighting modules.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Packaging: Author initial design concepts and manage component packaging studies. Assess spatial and architectural restrictions within the vehicle front/rear fascias or cockpit environments.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Coordinate directly with the Product Design Office (PDO/Studio), Body Engineering, and Power & Signal Distribution (PASD) networks to integrate optical, mechanical, hardware, and thermal constraints.
• Release & Data Management: Own the data lifecycle inside product lifecycle management ecosystems. Manage CAD math data and release engineering documentation (including 3D models and 2D engineering drawings) using NX/CATIA V5 and Teamcenter.
• Quality & Validation Methodologies: Develop, update, and complete design quality frameworks, including DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report). Overlook physical and virtual component validation via component, system, and full-vehicle level testing.
• Supplier Management: Lead component supplier engineering activities, maintaining rigorous timelines to meet crucial vehicle assembly and launch milestones. Support Statement of Requirements (SOR) development and technical quote assessments.
• Issue Resolution: Diagnose and root-cause failure mechanisms during pilot vehicle builds, vehicle launches, or field warranty analysis.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering.
• Experience: Generally requires 3+ years of automotive engineering development experience, ideally focused on exterior/interior lighting systems, electronic module hardware, or closely related mechatronic features.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in CAD validation and data viewing tools (e.g., NX, Teamcenter, or CATIA).
• Sound understanding of engineering principles involving optical performance, thermal management, and power consumption.
• Knowledge of structural and automotive industry design-for-manufacturing regulations (including FMVSS/ECE lighting regulations).
• Preferred Methodologies: Working experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) frameworks.