Mission
Position Overview
We are seeking a proactive Design & Release Engineer (DRE) specializing in Electrical & Electronic Hardware Devices (EEHD) to lead the full product lifecycle management of advanced automotive electronic components and modules.
In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end design, development, integration, validation, and production release of electrical components across multi-platform vehicle programs. You will serve as the technical single-point-of-contact, collaborating cross-functionally with systems architecture, software engineering, purchasing, quality, manufacturing plants, and tier-1 suppliers to deliver robust, cost-effective, and high-quality electronic systems.
Key Responsibilities
Component Design & Ownership: Lead the complete engineering design and release lifecycle for electronic hardware devices (e.g., body control modules, smart switches, power distribution units, electronic actuators, or sensor modules) from concept kick-off through Mass Production (SOP).
Engineering Release Management: Manage release workflows, engineering change requests (ECR/ECO), Bill of Materials (BOM) structuring, geometric packaging, and technical documentation within PLM systems (e.g., Enovia/Teamcenter).
Validation & Testing (DVP&R): Formulate and execute comprehensive Design Verification Plans & Reports (DVP&R), including Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Environmental, Thermal, Mechanical, and Electrical Reliability testing.
Supplier Management & Technical Leadership: Conduct technical design reviews with Tier-1 suppliers, managing component timeline metrics, supplier deliverables, tool timing, and component sign-offs.
Root Cause & Issue Resolution: Analyze hardware failures and warranty issues using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa/Fishbone) to implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Manufacturing & Plant Support: Provide direct engineering support to assembly operations during prototype builds, pre-series runs, and mass production ramps.
Quality & Cost Optimization: Perform Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and functional safety assessments (ISO 26262), driving Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) continuous improvements.
Profile
Required Qualifications & Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Automotive Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
Experience: 3+ years of experience as a Design & Release Engineer (DRE) or Hardware Engineer within the automotive OEM or Tier-1 supplier sector.
Technical Expertise:
In-depth understanding of automotive electrical hardware systems, ECU architectures, low-voltage power distribution, and wire harness interfaces.
Hands-on experience with automotive communication protocols (CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Ethernet) and diagnostic tools (CANoe, CANalyzer).
Proficiency in product life cycle management tools, engineering release processes, and CAD software for packaging checks (Catia V5/NX).
Direct experience developing and evaluating DFMEAs and DVP&R documentation.
Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated proficiency with structured root-cause methodologies (8D, Ishikawa, Red X).
Language Skills: Professional working proficiency in English and Spanish (written and verbal).
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and automotive cybersecurity protocols.
Experience with vehicle assembly plant launch support and vehicle assembly processes.
Green Belt or Black Belt certification in Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).