Applications Engineer General

Job Title: Exterior Systems Design & Release (D&R) Engineer
Pay Range: $40-42 per hour
Location: Dearborn, Michigan. Hybrid.
Job Type: W2 Contract
Expected Hours per Week: 40 hours per week
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-5

Position Summary:
We are seeking an Exterior Systems Design & Release (D&R) Engineer to lead the design, development, validation, and release of exterior vehicle components including bumpers, fascias, grilles, active grille shutters (AGS), battery trays, wheel arch liners, underbody shields, and related systems. This role will work closely with Studio, Manufacturing, Suppliers, Program Management, and Assembly Plants to deliver high-quality exterior systems that meet performance, cost, weight, quality, and timing objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, validation, and release of exterior vehicle system components.
• Manage bumper, fascia, grille, AGS, battery tray, wheel arch liner, and underbody shield development activities.
• Ensure compliance with engineering specifications, regulatory requirements, and corporate design standards.
• Drive quality, cost, weight reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support feasibility studies, packaging reviews, and system integration activities.
• Develop Engineering Statements of Work (ESOW) and Engineering Concepts (EC).
• Support supplier sourcing, cost reviews, and technical evaluations.
• Release and maintain parts using BOM tools, WERS, and change management processes.
• Conduct BOM audits for prototype and production builds.
• Coordinate DVP, FEDE, durability, validation, and functional testing activities.
• Utilize AIMS root cause analysis tools to identify and resolve engineering issues.
• Support prototype builds, assembly plant launches, quality investigations, and sign-off activities.
• Participate in Technical Design Reviews and cross-functional engineering meetings.
• Collaborate with Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) teams throughout product development.
• Support GPDS program deliverables and vehicle launch activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related engineering field.
• Minimum 3 years of automotive exterior systems development experience.
• Experience with automotive Design & Release (D&R) Engineering.
• Experience developing exterior vehicle components and systems.
• Proficiency with CATIA, Teamcenter Engineering (TCE), 3DX, and parametric CAD modeling.
• Knowledge of Class-A surface development and Studio interface activities.
• Understanding of automotive manufacturing processes and vehicle launch environments.
• Experience with BOM management, WERS, and engineering change control processes.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with AVBOM and Release Engineering processes.
• Experience supporting vehicle launches and assembly plant implementation activities.
• Knowledge of GPDS, Robustness Engineering, and Failure Mode Avoidance methodologies.
• Experience with DVP&R, FEDE, VQR, VRT, and PVT activities.

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