Design Release Engineer - Wiper / Washer Systems

Job Description:

• The engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and production release of wiper mechanisms, blades, arms, washer reservoirs, pumps, hoses, and nozzles for global vehicle programs.
• Below is the standard layout of the job description, detailing the responsibilities, requirements, and key tools for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Component Ownership: Lead the engineering design, development, packaging, and production release of wiper and washer subsystems from concept through full volume production.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Coordinate seamlessly with interfacing vehicle commodities, including Body-in-White (BIW), Electrical/Electronics (EE), Software, and Styling/Product Design Office (PDO).
• Supplier Management: Function as the single point of contact for external suppliers, managing their delivery timelines, engineering progress, and first-piece sign-offs.
• Quality & Validation: Build and execute the Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R), develop Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and ensure the system meets performance, packaging, and regulatory requirements. [1, 2, 3]
• Change Management: Author, track, and validate engineering change notices (ECN/ECR) and manage the Bill of Materials (BOM
• Launch Support: Provide on-site engineering support at manufacturing plants during pilot vehicle builds and production launches to resolve fit, finish, or functional performance issues
• Continuous Improvement: Perform root-cause analysis on field warranty data and implement cost-optimization or weight-reduction actions

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related ABET-accredited discipline.
• Experience: Typically requires 3 to 5+ years of experience as a product, component, or design release engineer within the automotive industry.
• Domain Knowledge: Proven track record in developing fluidic systems, electromechanical linkages, or similar exterior hardware components.
• Quality Standards: Practical understanding of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) workflows.
• Soft Skills: Strong project management abilities, proactive problem-solving skills, and the capacity to negotiate complex supplier relationships under tight program timelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct product experience with wiper motor electronics, fluid dynamics (washer delivery), or glass packaging.
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience handling international vehicle program rollouts.

Core Systems & Technical Tools

• CAD Software: NX or CATIA for 3D modeling, packaging, and drawing generation.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Teamcenter for managing data structures, geometry releases, and engineering changes.
• Internal Tools: Client internal change management platforms, GIMS/ISS for issue tracking, and AMPS sheets for assembly plant documentation.