We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated Design Release Engineer (DRE) to join our automotive engineering team, focusing on BIW Battery Trays including housings, top & bottom covers, sealing/welding, machining, brackets, as well as applicable technologies such as stampings, castings, extrusions, and composites. The Engineer will be responsible for the components / system from initial design development, kick-off release, to validation, and through vehicle launch, ensuring they meet vehicle performance, durability, cost, and manufacturing requirements.
Key Responsibilities:- Own and manage the design, development, and release of battery tray structural components/system (e.g., housings, top/bottom covers, brackets, machining, sealing, welding, fasteners)
- Support cross-functional design integration / packaging between battery tray systems and adjacent parts such as electrical, battery module, thermal, and chassis components
- Operate effectively in an advanced, fast-paced, and fluid environment where requirements may evolve; demonstrate self-motivation and initiative as a true self-starter-proactively ask questions, seek clarity, and drive progress even when all details are not fully defined.
- Validate 2D drawings and analyze 3D CAD models using NX and/or Vis Mockup and ensure the Engineering Best Practices (EDP) are met. Must be able to cut sections and provide measurements in the 3D CAD
- Work with external suppliers or internal manufacturing teams to ensure manufacturability, cost, and material performance meet project milestones and vehicle functional objectives
- Support CAD modeling, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), and other design validation methods to ensure structural integrity and compliance with standards
- Manage component release in PLM systems and processes (Teamcenter, WebCN, FastCar2, PPAP, etc.), including BoM creation and updates
- Create Source Package technical documentation and manage technical reviews with the suppliers and internal Stellantis teams
- Define and track engineering validation plans (DVP&R, DFMEA, PFMEA) and coordinate physical testing
- Provide onsite plant launch support, as required, to triage, root cause, and establish corrective actions to address assembly, build variation, or any other open issues or launch gating issues - B-sample, C-sample, X0, X1, X2, X3, SOP milestones
- Ensure designs comply with internal standards, vehicle performance targets, and regulatory requirements
- Communicate project status, risks, and deliverables to stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and quality teams
- Participate in the development of testing strategies for structural components, including vibration, crash, and thermal testing
Basic Qualifications:- Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive BIW / Battery Tray system development or related area
- Proficient in CAD software (Teamcenter, NX, Vis Pro) and PLM systems
- Strong knowledge of structural components, material selection, and related manufacturing processes (aluminum/steel stampings, aluminum castings, machining, composites, sealing/welding, etc.)
- Familiarity with GD&T, DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance stack up, and relevant automotive validation testing (safety, durability, NVH, thermal, leak testing, etc.)
- Excellent problem-solving and project management skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience with FCA release systems
- Demonstrated automotive interest (via hobbies or college project)
- Self-motivated individual
- Demonstrated passion to work in the automotive industry
Preferred Qualifications:- Master's degree in engineering or related technical field
- Experience working directly with OEM, Tier 1 relevant suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams
- Experience with robust design such as DFSS
- Knowledge of global automotive standards and structural performance requirements
- Understanding of thermal expansion, body tolerances, and design for assembly in relation to battery tray or BIW systems
- Hands-on experience with vehicle builds and plant launch activities
Travel:- Occasional travel required to supplier sites, test labs, proving grounds and manufacturing facilities. Some travel to manufacturing facilities outside U.S. in Canada and Mexico may be required
