Design & Release Engineer - Exterior Lighting

Role Overview

• As a Design & Release Engineer (DRE) for Exterior Lighting, you will play a pivotal role in the development, validation, and industrialization of exterior lighting systems (e.g., headlamps, taillights, fog lamps, illuminated grilles, and sensors).
• This role combines design engineering with rigorous testing and release processes to ensure that lighting components meet performance, safety, regulatory, and cost targets.
• You will collaborate with cross-functional teams (optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers), suppliers, and manufacturing plants to deliver high-quality lighting solutions from concept to mass production.
• This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy both technical design and hands-on validation, with opportunities to grow into project leadership and supplier management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design & Development

• Support the design of exterior lighting components (3D/2D modeling using NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks).
• Assist in optimizing designs for performance, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with optical and electrical teams to integrate lighting systems (LED, halogen, adaptive lighting) into vehicle architectures.
• Contribute to system requirement definitions (e.g., optical performance, thermal management, regulatory compliance).
• Work with suppliers to develop and iterate prototypes based on testing feedback.

2. Testing & Validation

• Plan and execute Design Verification Plans (DVP&R) to validate lighting components against specifications.
• Conduct functional and durability tests (e.g., environmental, thermal, vibration, and regulatory compliance tests).
• Analyze test results and troubleshoot failures (e.g., using 8D reports, CPRT, or Quality Alert tools).
• Ensure compliance with automotive lighting regulations (e.g., FMVSS, ECE, IIHS requirements).
• Support vehicle-level validation (e.g., on-road testing, assembly plant evaluations).

3. Release & Industrialization

• Assist in managing engineering changes (Change Notices - CNs) and temporary/permanent deviations.
• Coordinate with suppliers to implement DFMEAs and PFMEAs for risk mitigation.
• Support pilot phases in manufacturing plants to ensure smooth production ramp-up.
• Contribute to cost reduction initiatives (TCR/VO) without compromising quality or performance.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with purchasing, quality, and manufacturing teams to resolve technical issues.
• Participate in supplier meetings to align on design, validation, and production timelines.
• Support warranty investigations and continuous improvement activities.
• Document technical decisions and share best practices with the engineering team.

Basic Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience:
• 0–5 years of experience in automotive engineering (OEM or Tier 1), with exposure to design, testing, or release processes.
• Internships or co-op experience in lighting systems, electronics, or automotive components are a plus.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in 3D/2D modeling tools (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks).
• Basic understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Familiarity with automotive lighting regulations (e.g., FMVSS, ECE) is a plus.
• Knowledge of LED technology, optics, or thermal management is desirable.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively (written and verbal).
• Fluent in English (technical discussions).
• Tools/Methodologies:
• Exposure to DFMEA, DVP&R, or Six Sigma (Green Belt certification is a plus).
• Familiarity with PLM systems (Teamcenter, Windchill) is beneficial.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with automotive exterior lighting development (e.g., headlamps, taillights).
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, or validation in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of emerging lighting technologies (e.g., adaptive lighting, laser, matrix LED).
• Proficiency in Italian, French, or German (for global collaboration).
• Prior experience with supplier management or cross-functional project leadership.