Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering (ABET-accredited).
5-7+ years of automotive engineering experience, preferably in interior lighting or electronic components.
Knowledge of LED, OLED, and emerging lighting technologies; optical design and validation experience preferred.
Strong understanding of component integration, GD&T, and system packaging.
Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools (NX, CATIA, Teamcenter).
Experience with lighting test methods (photometric, colorimetry, durability) and lab validation equipment.
Responsibilities
Lead supplier design activities and ensure alignment with specifications and performance targets.
Define, track, and deliver quality, cost, timing, and performance objectives.
Work with advanced engineering teams to establish lighting architecture and innovation opportunities.
Act as regional engineering lead and provide on-site technical support.
Create and maintain documentation including DFMEAs, validation plans, and reports.
Ensure integration of lighting systems with vehicle components and networks.
Conduct benchmarking and technology scouting for innovative lighting solutions.
Support warranty and quality initiatives with technical analysis and resolution plans.
Benefits
Opportunity to work on innovative lighting technologies within the automotive sector.
Full lifecycle involvement from concept to launch.
Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
Role offers significant autonomy and leadership responsibilities.
Support for professional growth within a global development environment.
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 for Client vehicles.
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).
