Design and Release Engineer

Location: Long Beach, CA
Workplace: On-site, 5 days/week

You will be a key contributor within a world-class automotive body exterior engineering team, responsible for the development and delivery of glazing systems and components. This role combines mechanical engineering, optical performance, sealing systems, and launch execution, working closely with design, body structures, closures, electrical, and supplier partners to deliver production-ready glazing solutions from concept through SOP.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of high-quality glazing components delivering on optical clarity, structural performance, weathersealing, safety compliance, and craftsmanship
• Lead or support the engineering, packaging, release, and launch of glazing components including windshields, backlites, sidelites, quarter glass, sunroofs, and fixed panoramic roof systems across the vehicle portfolio
• Translate exterior design and surfacing intent into production-feasible, manufacturable glazing solutions with attention to optical distortion limits, encapsulation geometry, and fit and finish
• Define and manage glass specifications including thickness, laminate construction, tint, acoustic interlayer, and coating requirements; support material trade studies for mass, cost, and optical performance optimization
• Manage component-level DFMEA, DVPR, SCCAF, boundary diagrams, and robustness checklists through design and release milestones
• Work cross-functionally with design, body structures, closures, electrical integration, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams to maintain styling intent, dimensional compliance, and timing
• Collaborate closely with glazing suppliers and encapsulation molders to ensure tooling readiness, encapsulation quality, adhesive bond performance, cost targets, and on-time program delivery
• Define and own GD&T datum and locating strategy for glazing assemblies; perform tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure dimensional compliance with adjacent body and closure panels
• Support glass bonding and direct glazing system development including adhesive selection, primer systems, and bond line geometry validation Ensure compliance with FMVSS 205, ECE R43, and applicable homologation requirements for optical quality, impact performance, and safety glazing markings
• Perform and support DFM assessments for encapsulation molding, glass forming, and edge deletion processes
• Support prototype builds, body buck reviews, and closed-loop resolution of optical, dimensional, and sealing quality findings
• Apply and continuously improve engineering tools, methods, and best practices to support accelerated product development

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in automotive glazing, closures, or body exterior engineering with exposure to glass components, encapsulation systems, or weathersealing
• Understanding of automotive glass manufacturing processes including bending, tempering, laminating, and encapsulation molding
• Familiarity with direct glazing systems, urethane adhesive bonding, and body opening dimensional requirements
• Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools; working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis methods
• Experience supporting vehicle or product launches, including supplier tooling sign-off and manufacturing readiness reviews
• Familiarity with DFMEA, DVPR, SCCAF, and quality documentation processes
• Knowledge of FMVSS 205 and ECE R43 safety glazing requirements

Nice to Have

• Ownership of at least one full glazing program lifecycle from concept through SOP Experience in a fast-paced OEM or startup EV environment with compressed development timelines
• Deep knowledge of laminated and tempered glass construction including acoustic interlayers, solar control coatings, heated glass, and embedded antenna systems
• Experience with panoramic roof or fixed glass roof systems including structural load path integration and sealing system design Familiarity with encapsulation tooling reviews including steel safe conditions, parting line strategy, and encapsulant material qualification
• Understanding of glass optical distortion measurement, DOI standards, and reflected image distortion limits per OEM specifications
• Experience with camera and sensor integration requirements within glazing assemblies, including FoV clearances and defogging zone management
• Knowledge of corrosion protection and edge deletion requirements for coated glass in direct glazing applications
• Hands-on, practical engineering mindset with strong problem-solving skills in a prototype and pre-production environment
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to align across design, body structures, closures, manufacturing, and supply chain stakeholders
• Passion for delivering premium exterior craftsmanship and optical quality in next-generation vehicle programs

Salary:

• $115,000-135,000
• The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience