Design Release Engineer (DRE)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Exterior Design Release Engineer (DRE) serves as the primary technical liaison between the automaker’s design / styling organization and Tier 1 / Tier 2 suppliers for exterior vehicle systems. The DRE ensures supplier-developed components meet manufacturability, cost, and quality requirements while maintaining alignment with OEM design intent, timing, and regulatory compliance. This position is responsible for monitoring supplier progress, resolving technical roadblocks, and ensuring successful component release into production.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Interface & Oversight
• Act as the OEM’s point of contact with Tier 1 / Tier 2 suppliers for exterior systems (fascias, grilles, glass, lamps, moldings, seals, mirrors, trim, closures).
• Review and approve supplier designs to ensure alignment with OEM standards, packaging, and styling criteria.
• Monitor supplier timing, tooling feasibility, and readiness for builds / launch.
• Design Release Management
• Support the OEM design / styling departments by ensuring designs are feasible for high-volume production.
• Maintain engineering documentation including BOMs, part numbers, drawings, and CAD data in the OEM release system.
• Ensure part designs meet safety, durability, NVH, pedestrian protection, and regulatory requirements.
• Validation & Quality
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure validation testing (DVP&R) is executed and issues are resolved before launch.
• Track PPAP and other quality deliverables to ensure supplier compliance with OEM standards.
• Support build events, prototype phases, and pre-production activities at OEM and supplier sites.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with styling, manufacturing, purchasing, and quality teams to balance cost, aesthetics, and manufacturability.
• Escalate risks and roadblocks early to OEM leadership and drive countermeasures with suppliers.
• Ensure change management processes are followed for late design or tooling updates.

Qualifications

Desired Attributes