DRE – Body Closures & Stamped Doors

As a Design Release Engineer focused on Body Closures & Stamped Doors, you will drive the design, development, and release of door assemblies, hinges, latches, and stamped-sheet metal body components for new vehicle programs. You will work closely with design, CAE, manufacturing, stamping/tooling, and supplier teams to execute components and systems that meet vehicle function, safety, manufacturability, timing and cost objectives. Key responsibilities include leading specification development, managing engineering changes, supporting prototype builds, and analyzing quality data for closure systems.

Must Have

• Lead specification development and design release for door closures, side doors, liftgates, hinges, latches, and stamped components.
• Define component requirements derived from vehicle-level objectives (durability, NVH, safety, ergonomics, cost, weight).
• Create and maintain DFMEA, DVP&R, work product documentation, and engineering change records.
• Conduct mechanical, structural, durability, NVH, and interface reviews with CAE/FEA.
• Collaborate with Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers, stamping/tooling vendors, and internal manufacturing.
• Manage ECRs/ECOs, update EBOM/BOM records, and ensure traceability of design changes in PLM systems.
• Support prototype builds, pilot production, and launch readiness for closure systems.
• Analyze field, warranty, and quality data for closure systems; lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintain all documentation for audits and compliance.
• Monitor project schedule, cost, and risk for closure subsystems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of release engineering, design engineering, or product development experience in automotive body, closure, or stamping domains.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical CAD (e.g., NX, CATIA), 2D/3D drawings, GD&T, sheet-metal stamping, welding, assembly, latch/hinge/door system fundamentals.
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, ECO/ECR process, BOM/EBOM management, and PLM/release systems (e.g., Teamcenter).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to operate in cross-functional teams.

Good to Have

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Previous experience specifically in closure systems (doors, liftgates) or body-in-white/stamped sheet-metal structures.
• Experience with NVH, durability testing, assembly/tooling launch, and supplier development for closures.
• Understanding of body-in-white manufacturing processes including stamping, laser welding, adhesive joining, and corrosion protection.
• Proven track record of successfully launching closure subsystems on vehicle programs.

Perks & Benefits

• Mentorship
• Career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits

Job Description

As a Design Release Engineer focused on Body Closures & Stamped Doors, you will drive the design, development, and release of door assemblies, hinges, latches, and stamped-sheet metal body components for new vehicle programs. You will work closely with design, CAE, manufacturing, stamping/tooling, and supplier teams to execute components and systems that meet vehicle function, safety, manufacturability, timing and cost objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the specification development and design release process for door closures, side doors, liftgates, hinges, latches and associated stamped components.
• Define component requirements derived from vehicle-level objectives (durability, NVH, safety, ergonomics, cost, weight).
• Create and maintain deliverables such as DFMEA, DVP&R (Design Verification Plan & Report), work product documentation, and engineering change records.
• Conduct mechanical, structural, durability, NVH and interface reviews (2D/3D) in coordination with CAE/FEA and ensure design robustness and packaging compliance.
• Collaborate with Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers, stamping/tooling vendors, and internal manufacturing to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and meet launch timing.
• Manage engineering change requests (ECRs/ECOs), update EBOM/BOM records, and ensure traceability of design changes throughout PLM systems.
• Support prototype builds, pilot production and launch readiness for closure systems; resolve manufacturing/assembly/validation issues during launch.
• Analyze field, warranty and quality data for closure systems, leading root-cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions.
• Maintain all documentation for audits and compliance: drawings, release data, manufacturing process validations and sign-offs.
• Monitor project schedule, cost, risk for closure subsystems, provide status updates and escalate issues to program leadership.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or similar discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of release engineering, design engineering or product development experience in automotive body, closure or stamping domains.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical CAD (e.g., NX, CATIA), 2D/3D drawings, GD&T, sheet-metal stamping, welding, assembly, latch/hinge/door system fundamentals.
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, ECO/ECR process, BOM/EBOM management, PLM/release systems (e.g., Teamcenter).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to operate in cross-functional teams (design, CAE, manufacturing, suppliers).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Previous experience specifically in closure systems (doors, liftgates) or body-in-white/stamped sheet-metal structures.
• Experience with NVH, durability testing, assembly/tooling launch, supplier development for closures.
• Understanding of body-in-white manufacturing processes including stamping, laser welding, adhesive joining, corrosion protection.
• Proven track record of successfully launching closure subsystems on vehicle programs.