Expert Design & Release Engineer - Body Welding & Joining

Job Summary:

• The Design and Release Engineer (DRE) – Body Welding & Joining is the technical authority for body welding and joining processes (resistance spot welding, MIG and laser welding, structural adhesives, flow-drill screws and self-piercing rivets).
• At Expert Level, the engineer sets design standards, leads the most complex cross-platform and launch issues, and mentors the engineering team.
• The position defines joining methods, weld locations and specifications on the Body-in-White, and partners with body shop manufacturing engineering, materials and CAE to ensure joint strength, weld quality and plant feasibility.
• The role works to achieve program objectives for cost, timing, weight and quality.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Act as the technical authority for body welding and joining processes (resistance spot welding, MIG and laser welding, structural adhesives, flow-drill screws and self-piercing rivets): define the design strategy, standards and release roadmap across vehicle programs and platforms.
• Set the strategy for and govern weld and joint definition (weld locations, flange design, access and sequence) in NX and Teamcenter, in line with joining standards across programs.
• Set the strategy for and govern joint performance, weld quality and process feasibility with manufacturing engineering, materials and CAE, including multi-material joining and structural adhesives across programs.
• Drive cross-functional alignment on packaging and interface strategy with body shop manufacturing engineering, materials, CAE and body structure teams, Architecture/Vehicle Concepts and PDO, and arbitrate conflicting requirements at program and platform level.
• Define core DFMEA, DVP&R and functional-objective standards, review and approve documentation across the team, and drive reuse and standardization.
• Set CAD, template (KBE) and release best practices, and ensure geometry quality, change management and CAD milestone compliance across the commodity.
• Lead strategic supplier engagement and escalated launch or field issues, and guide the approach to weld validation (destructive and non-destructive testing) and build support using structured problem solving (e.g., DFSS, Shainin, Kepner-Tregoe).
• Own commodity-level cost, weight and quality targets, mentor and develop engineers, capture cross-platform lessons learned, and represent the area to senior management.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Materials or Welding/Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent discipline from an ABET-accredited (or equivalent) program. A Master’s degree in Engineering or Business is a plus.
• 8+ years of experience in Body-in-White welding, joining or body structure engineering, with multiple program launches and recognized technical leadership.
• Expert-level command of NX and Teamcenter, DFMEA, DVP&R and validation planning; KBE/template experience and in-plant launch leadership desired.
• Deep expertise in resistance spot, laser and MIG welding, structural adhesives, mechanical fastening, weld and joining standards and GD&T, recognized as a reference inside and outside the team.
• Proven leadership, mentoring and influencing skills with senior management and suppliers; ability to reach consensus on complex issues. DFSS Green/Black Belt and reactive problem-solving certification preferred.
• Ability to support meetings throughout North American work hours and to work closely with local engineering teams, Architecture/Vehicle Concepts, program science teams and PDO.