Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Automotive Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
3 to 5+ years of experience as a product or design release engineer in the automotive sector.
Experience in developing fluidic systems or electromechanical components.
Familiarity with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
Strong project management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to negotiate supplier relationships.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and production release of wiper and washer subsystems from concept to production.
Coordinate with various vehicle commodities like Body-in-White and Electrical/Electronics.
Manage supplier relationships, ensuring timely delivery and engineering progress.
Develop and execute Design Verification Plans and conduct Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis.
Track and validate engineering change notices and manage the Bill of Materials.
Provide on-site support during pilot builds and production launches to address issues.
Conduct root-cause analysis on warranty data to drive continuous improvement.
Benefits
Opportunity for end-to-end component ownership in a global automotive context.
Engagement with cross-functional teams, enhancing collaborative skills.
Direct interaction with suppliers, fostering relationship management experience.
Involvement in quality assurance processes, contributing to product excellence.
Potential for career growth within a leading automotive company.
Full Job Description
The Design Release Engineer (DRE) - Wiper / Washing Systems at Stellantis in Auburn Hills, MI, is an end-to-end component ownership role. The engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and production release of wiper mechanisms, blades, arms, washer reservoirs, pumps, hoses, and nozzles for global vehicle programs.
Below is the standard layout of the job description, detailing the responsibilities, requirements, and key tools for this position.
Key Responsibilities
Component Ownership: Lead the engineering design, development, packaging, and production release of wiper and washer subsystems from concept through full volume production.
Cross-Functional Integration: Coordinate seamlessly with interfacing vehicle commodities, including Body-in-White (BIW), Electrical/Electronics (EE), Software, and Styling/Product Design Office (PDO).
Supplier Management: Function as the single point of contact for external suppliers, managing their delivery timelines, engineering progress, and first-piece sign-offs.
Quality & Validation: Build and execute the Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R), develop Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and ensure the system meets performance, packaging, and regulatory requirements. [1, 2, 3]
Change Management: Author, track, and validate engineering change notices (ECN/ECR) and manage the Bill of Materials (BOM
Launch Support: Provide on-site engineering support at manufacturing plants during pilot vehicle builds and production launches to resolve fit, finish, or functional performance issues
Continuous Improvement: Perform root-cause analysis on field warranty data and implement cost-optimization or weight-reduction actions
Required Qualifications
Education:Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related ABET-accredited discipline.
Experience: Typically requires 3 to 5+ years of experience as a product, component, or design release engineer within the automotive industry.
Domain Knowledge: Proven track record in developing fluidic systems, electromechanical linkages, or similar exterior hardware components.
Quality Standards: Practical understanding of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) workflows.
Soft Skills: Strong project management abilities, proactive problem-solving skills, and the capacity to negotiate complex supplier relationships under tight program timelines
Preferred Qualifications
Direct product experience with wiper motor electronics, fluid dynamics (washer delivery), or glass packaging.
Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience handling international vehicle program rollouts.
Core Systems & Technical Tools
CAD Software:NX or CATIA for 3D modeling, packaging, and drawing generation.
Product Lifecycle Management:Teamcenter for managing data structures, geometry releases, and engineering changes.
Internal Tools: Stellantis internal change management platforms, GIMS/ISS for issue tracking, and AMPS sheets for assembly plant documentation.
