Design Release Engineer - Hard Trim

Job Summary:

The Interior Lighting Design and Release Engineer (DRE) – Advanced is responsible for the design, development, and release of ambient, functional, and decorative interior lighting systems. This includes components such as LED modules, light guides, controllers, and harness interfaces, as well as system-level integration with the instrument panel, doors, console, headliner, and other cockpit elements. The DRE will lead the development of vehicle-level lighting functional objectives and translate them into component-level requirements, ensuring compliance with performance, safety, and regulatory standards. The role covers the full lifecycle from concept and packaging through validation, release, and launch.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead supplier design activities and design reviews to ensure alignment with Client specifications, styling intent, and lighting performance targets.
• Define, track, and deliver quality, cost, timing, and performance objectives for interior lighting systems.
• Work with advanced engineering and design studios to establish lighting architecture, aesthetic integration, and innovation opportunities prior to sourcing.
• Act as the regional engineering lead for all interior lighting components and systems, providing on-site technical support.
• Create and maintain DFMEAs, boundary diagrams, parameter diagrams, interface matrices, and Design Validation Plans & Reports (DVP&Rs).
• Ensure integration and compatibility of lighting systems with surrounding interior components, electronic control units (ECUs), and vehicle networks (LIN, CAN).
• Conduct benchmarking, competitive analysis, and technology scouting (e.g., OLED, dynamic/animated lighting, light-based HMI concepts).
• Support warranty, quality, and customer satisfaction initiatives with technical analysis, root cause investigations, and resolution plans.
• Drive cost optimization and efficient investment strategies while meeting design and functional requirements.
• Provide technical input during the RFQ and sourcing processes.
• Manage releasing activities (EBOM, CCD/WebCN, Teamcenter, GIMS) and ensure program milestone compliance.
• Collaborate with EE systems engineering to define vehicle functional lighting specifications and Requirements Analysis Reports (RARs).
• Review and approve supplier hardware/software releases and validation reports, including optical performance testing.
• Ensure compliance with global lighting regulations and work with internal compliance teams and suppliers to validate conformity.
• Provide program leadership through issue management, status reporting, and technical presentations to management.
• Guide suppliers in the development, validation, and release of lighting hardware/software to achieve lighting objectives.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering (ABET-accredited).
• 5–7+ years of automotive engineering experience; interior lighting or mechatronic/electronic component experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of LED, OLED, and emerging lighting technologies; optical design and validation experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of component integration, GD&T, and system packaging.
• Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools (NX, CATIA, Teamcenter).
• Experience with lighting test methods (photometric, colorimetry, durability) and lab validation equipment.
• Familiarity with LIN/CAN network communications and lighting ECU interaction.
• Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated use of reactive problem-solving tools.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage suppliers in a global development environment.
• Familiarity with systems and release processes preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.