DRE – Body Closures & Stamped Doors

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.