Powertrain (Engine) -Design & Release Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Design Release Engineer (DRE) to take full engineering ownership of critical engine, mounting, and structural powertrain systems for our mid-engine vehicle platform. Because mid-engine architectures place intense demands on packaging efficiency, thermal isolation, and cabin NVH, you will be the primary technical authority responsible for balancing these competing attributes. In this role, you will manage your components across the entire product development lifecycle from early architectural packaging and CAE validation through to tooling kick-off, supplier PPAP, and physical vehicle launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Component Ownership & Release: Own the design, engineering release, and life-cycle management of engine subsystems, mounts, and structural brackets. Author and execute Engineering Change Requests/Orders (ECR/ECO) within the corporate PLM system (Teamcenter/Enovia).
• Supplier Management: Serve as the primary technical interface for Tier-1 suppliers. Lead weekly technical reviews, manage supplier timelines, monitor tooling progress, and review manufacturing feasibility (DFM/DFA).
• Cross-Functional Attribute Packaging: Own the physical integration of components within a dense mid-engine bay. Negotiate geometric packaging trade-offs daily with BIW, Thermal Management, Chassis, and Styling teams.
• Validation & Testing (DVP&R): Author and execute the Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R). Define physical test requirements for durability, fatigue, and NVH, and oversee root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why) if failures occur during physical validation.
• Risk Mitigation: Lead and maintain the Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) for your subsystems, ensuring all critical characteristics are linked to manufacturing controls (PFMEAs).
• Cost & Weight Optimization: Drive cost-reduction (VAVE) and weight-optimization initiatives without compromising structural rigidity or cabin acoustics.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a highly related technical field.
• Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in automotive product engineering, specifically as a Design Release Engineer (DRE) or Product Engineer within Powertrain, Chassis, or Structural systems.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and packaging reviews using CATIA V5, Siemens NX, or SolidWorks.
• Strong working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5, including advanced tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Deep understanding of high-volume manufacturing processes (e.g., aluminum high-pressure die casting, steel stampings, forging, and injection molding).
• Experience navigating corporate Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Bill of Materials (BOM) release systems.
• Languages: Professional bilingual proficiency. Ability to lead technical engineering meetings fluently in both English and Spanish.

Preferred Qualifications

Direct prior experience releasing powertrain mounts, engine brackets, or exhaust components for high-performance or mid-engine architectures.

• Familiarity with interpreting CAE results (Linear/Non-linear static, fatigue, and modal NVH analysis) to guide design directions.
• Experience taking components through a full automotive production launch cycle (from kick-off to Job 1), including APQP and PPAP sign-offs.