Design & Release Engineer (DRE) – Electrical & Electronic Controls & Integration (EECI)

Position Level: Mid to Senior Level

Employment Type: Full-time (Hybrid)

Locations: Mexico City, Toluca, or Saltillo, Mexico

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Design & Release Engineer (DRE) specializing in Electrical & Electronic Controls & Integration (EECI) to oversee the development, integration, and release of electronic control units (ECUs), smart actuators, and software-driven embedded systems.

In this role, you will be responsible for end-to-end component management—focusing heavily on ECU integration, in-vehicle network protocols, software flashability, diagnostic definitions, and system-level validation. You will serve as the primary technical interface between vehicle architecture teams, software release engineers, quality, manufacturing plants, and Tier-1 electronic suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Control Unit & Integration Ownership: Manage the complete engineering design and release lifecycle for electronic control devices and software-integrated modules (e.g., Central Body Controllers, Gateway Modules, Zone Controllers, Domain Controllers, or Smart Junction Boxes) from concept through Mass Production (SOP).

• Network & Diagnostic Release: Oversee component integration with in-vehicle communication networks (CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet) and ensure compliance with diagnostic requirements (UDS ISO 14229, OBD-II).

• Software & Calibration Lifecycle: Coordinate software and calibration releases, managing flashing protocols, Over-The-Air (OTA) update compatibility, and End-of-Line (EOL) programming routines for manufacturing plants.

• Engineering Release Management: Execute release workflows, Engineering Change Requests/Orders (ECR/ECO), Bill of Materials (BOM) structuring, and software/hardware part number traceability within PLM tools (e.g., Enovia/Teamcenter).

• System Validation (DVP&R & HIL): Lead Design Verification Plans & Reports (DVP&R), combining hardware validation with software integration testing on Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test benches and prototype vehicles.

• Supplier & Cross-Functional Alignment: Lead technical reviews with Tier-1 ECU suppliers, tracking software delivery schedules, hardware revisions, functional safety requirements, and component sign-offs.

• Root Cause Analysis & Issue Resolution: Troubleshoot vehicle electrical integration issues, network bus errors, and ECU DTCs using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) to resolve field and plant issues.

• Functional Safety & Cybersecurity: Ensure hardware/software designs conform to ISO 26262 functional safety requirements (ASIL ratings) and automotive cybersecurity compliance standards.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical discipline.

• Experience: 3+ years of experience as a DRE, Controls Engineer, or Systems Integration Engineer in an automotive OEM or Tier-1 ECU supplier environment.

• Technical Expertise:

  • Strong background in embedded systems, ECU hardware architectures, and vehicle power/ground distribution.

  • Deep technical proficiency in automotive communication protocols (CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Ethernet) and diagnostic protocols (UDS, OBD-II).

  • Hands-on experience using vector tools (CANoe, CANalyzer, CANape) for vehicle network analysis and diagnostic logging.

  • Familiarity with software/hardware release management tools, PLM systems, and BOM management.

  • Direct experience generating DFMEAs, technical specifications, and DVP&Rs for electronic control devices.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Proven proficiency with structured root-cause methodologies (8D, Ishikawa, Red X) for complex electro-mechanical or software/hardware interaction issues.

• Language Skills: Professional working proficiency in English and Spanish (written and verbal).