Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering (ABET-accredited).
5-7+ years of automotive engineering experience, preferably in interior lighting or mechatronic/electronic components.
Knowledge of LED, OLED, and emerging lighting technologies; optical design experience is a plus.
Strong understanding of component integration, GD&T, and system packaging.
Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools (NX, CATIA, Teamcenter).
Experience with lighting test methods and lab validation equipment.
Familiarity with LIN/CAN network communications and lighting ECU interaction.
Responsibilities
Lead supplier design activities and reviews to align with specifications and performance targets.
Define and track quality, cost, timing, and performance objectives for lighting systems.
Collaborate with engineering and design studios to establish lighting architecture and innovation opportunities.
Act as the regional engineering lead for interior lighting components, providing technical support.
Create and maintain design documentation including DFMEAs and Design Validation Plans.
Ensure integration of lighting systems with interior components and vehicle networks.
Conduct benchmarking and technology scouting for advanced lighting solutions.
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge lighting technologies in the automotive industry.
Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams.
Involvement in the full lifecycle of product development from concept to launch.
Potential for career growth in a leading automotive company.
Access to advanced engineering tools and resources.
Full Job Description
Job Summary:
The Interior Lighting Design and Release Engineer (DRE) - Advanced is responsible for the design, development, and release of ambient, functional, and decorative interior lighting systems. This includes components such as LED modules, light guides, controllers, and harness interfaces, as well as system-level integration with the instrument panel, doors, console, headliner, and other cockpit elements. The DRE will lead the development of vehicle-level lighting functional objectives and translate them into component-level requirements, ensuring compliance with performance, safety, and regulatory standards. The role covers the full lifecycle from concept and packaging through validation, release, and launch.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead supplier design activities and design reviews to ensure alignment with Client specifications, styling intent, and lighting performance targets.
Define, track, and deliver quality, cost, timing, and performance objectives for interior lighting systems.
Work with advanced engineering and design studios to establish lighting architecture, aesthetic integration, and innovation opportunities prior to sourcing.
Act as the regional engineering lead for all interior lighting components and systems, providing on-site technical support.
Create and maintain DFMEAs, boundary diagrams, parameter diagrams, interface matrices, and Design Validation Plans & Reports (DVP&Rs).
Ensure integration and compatibility of lighting systems with surrounding interior components, electronic control units (ECUs), and vehicle networks (LIN, CAN).
