The Design Release Engineer (DRE) will be responsible for the technical development, design integration, validation, and release of automotive alternators and related 12V electrical components.
Direct, hands-on experience in automotive alternator development is mandatory. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of alternator systems, including mechanical design, electrical performance, voltage regulation, charging systems, and vehicle integration.
The engineer will work closely with cross-functional, global engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to ensure component performance, product quality, reliability, and compliance with automotive requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.
Technical Requirements- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of five years of experience in automotive component development.
- Mandatory: Direct hands-on experience in automotive alternator design, development, validation, or design release. Candidates without alternator experience will not be considered.
- Strong understanding of alternator design, functionality, electrical generation, voltage regulation, and vehicle charging systems.
- Experience with 12V Battery Starter Generators (BSG) or related automotive electrical components is an added advantage.
- Knowledge of alternator components, including rotor, stator, rectifier, voltage regulator, bearings, housing, and mounting interfaces.
- Experience in mechanical and electrical integration of alternators into vehicle systems.
- Solid understanding of automotive electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and vehicle packaging constraints.
- Experience in component validation, verification, supplier management, and production release.
- Strong experience in root cause analysis, failure investigation, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
- Familiarity with automotive quality tools, continuous improvement methodologies, and customer claim management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and technical documentation.
Technical Skills and Responsibilities- Lead the development and release of automotive alternators and related 12V electrical components in accordance with vehicle program requirements.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of alternator design, functionality, and individual component performance.
- Review and validate component designs, technical drawings, specifications, and engineering changes.
- Ensure compliance with automotive environmental, mechanical, electrical, thermal, vibration, durability, and reliability requirements.
- Support alternator integration within the vehicle electrical architecture, including packaging, mounting, belt-drive interfaces, and electrical connections.
- Apply EMC fundamentals, DFMEA, and engineering best practices throughout the component development lifecycle.
- Coordinate with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams to resolve design, integration, and validation issues.
- Support component testing, validation activities, issue resolution, and production launch readiness.
- Lead technical discussions and drive engineering issues to resolution, ensuring timely completion of program milestones.
Quality, Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for alternator failures, component malfunctions, production issues, and customer complaints.
- Investigate electrical, mechanical, thermal, vibration, and durability-related failures using structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Identify failure modes, determine underlying causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Drive resolution of recurring field issues and customer claims in collaboration with suppliers and internal engineering teams.
- Analyze validation results, warranty data, and field performance trends to identify improvement opportunities.
- Verify the effectiveness of corrective actions and ensure issues do not recur.
- Ensure compliance with established quality targets, engineering specifications, and automotive standards.
- Support supplier quality improvement initiatives and technical reviews.
Behavioral and Leadership Requirements- Ability to collaborate effectively with global engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to present technical topics to senior leadership.
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage conflicts, coordinate stakeholders, and drive technical issues to closure.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver engineering milestones in line with program timelines.
Preferred Qualifications- Previous experience as an Automotive Alternator Design Release Engineer (DRE) or in direct alternator component development.
- Experience with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 automotive suppliers.
- Strong knowledge of 12V charging systems, voltage regulators, and alternator performance requirements.
- Experience supporting supplier technical reviews, vehicle integration, production launches, and field issue resolution.
- Hands-on experience with structured root cause analysis methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and related problem-solving tools.
