Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) — Electrical Systems
Department: Electrical Systems
Reports to: Director, Electrical Systems · Employment Type: Full-time/On-site
Role Overview: Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) manages the design, release, and lifecycle of electrical/electro-mechanical modules and Off-The-Shelf (OTS) components. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment, where no job is too small, and where leadership means owning the details — from CAD and BOM accuracy to strategic design decisions and supplier execution. They will package circuit boards, integrate internal harnessing (LV/HV), drive enclosure tooling, manage change processes, support hands-on prototype builds, and deliver to program milestones. They are both a technical expert and a practical problem-solver who jumps in wherever needed to ensure successful execution.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Product Ownership & Release
  • Serve as the technical lead and single point of accountability for assigned modules, from concept through SOP and sustaining.
  • Manage detailed part-level execution while always considering system-level impact
  • Own complete product definition including CAD, engineering requirements, drawings, GD&T, materials and sealing strategy
  • Support prototype and pilot builds hands-on, resolving issues at the bench or on the line as needed.
  • Prepare and release assembly documentation for box build assemblies (BBA)PCB & Module Packaging
  • Lead packaging of PCBs into enclosures, including connector layouts, stack-ups, thermal management, sealing, and EMC control.
  • Own selection, qualification, and integration of off-the-shelf components (connectors, vents, fasteners, displays, grommets, thermal parts).Perform DMU/clash analysis and ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and robustness.
  • Harnessing Inside Enclosures or Box Builds (LV & HV)
  • Design and integrate internal harnessing for both low-voltage and high-voltage systems within enclosures or BBAsEstablish routing paths that meet electrical safety, mechanical constraints, bend radius, creepage/clearance, thermal considerations, and EMC requirements.
  • Specify fixation methods (clips, cable channels, strain-relief points, clamps, grommet routing, tie-downs).Validate harness integration through:
  • Fit checks and tolerance simulations
  • Vibration/robustness assessments
  • Thermal exposure and derating checksHV safety evaluations
  • Environmental simulations
  • Enclosure Design & Tooling
  • Own enclosure design for injection molding, die casting, sheet metal, machining, and rapid-prototype builds.
  • Work with a vendor to define tooling strategy (class, gating, parting line, draft, T0/T1/Tn expectations).Drive DFM/DFA reviews, tooling kickoff, and sample evaluation with suppliers.
  • Resolve tooling issues quickly, pragmatically, and collaboratively.
  • CATIA / CAD / PLMCreate and manage high-quality CATIA V6/3DEXPERIENCE models and assemblies.
  • Produce engineering drawings using GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and perform tolerance stack-ups.
  • Maintain EBOM configuration in PLM systems with high accuracy and discipline.
  • BOM Ownership
  • Own the Engineering BOM end-to-end:
  • Part number creation and revision control
  • Alternates and AML/AVLEffectivity management
  • Completeness across subassemblies including consumables
  • Ensure clean alignment between EBOM ↔ MBOM and support service BOM development.
  • Fix BOM issues at a tactical level if needed — no job too small.
Change Management (ECR/ECO): Lead creation and implementation of ECR/ECOs, with clear problem statements, justification, impact analysis, and effectivity planning. Drive cross-functional approvals and ensure traceability to requirements, validation, and supplier inputs. Streamline ECO cycle time through proactive documentation and planning.
Program & Timeline Management:
  • Own schedules for assigned components, identifying dependencies, risks, and mitigation plans.
  • Work with and manage contractors for short term projects
  • Drive progress toward key milestones (Design Freeze, DV, PV, Tooling, PPAP, SOP).Work closely with suppliers on development, timing, and PPAP readiness.
  • Step in hands-on to remove blockers in a start-up environment.
Hands-On Prototype Build Support: Work directly with technicians and engineering teams on bench builds, mock-ups, prototype assemblies, and in-vehicle installations. Assemble PCB modules, install OTS components, test harness routing, fit internal harnesses, torque fasteners, and validate sealing. Run physical clearance checks, thermal interface installation, vent/gasket placements, and mechanical fastener operations. Document issues, root causes, and feed detailed learnings quickly back into design, BOM, and ECO processes. Support rapid iteration in a start-up environment where speed, flexibility, and hands-on problem-solving are essential.
Minimum Qualifications: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.7+ years in DRE/Product Engineering in automotive or adjacent industries. Deep experience with CATIA and GD&T.Proven ownership of BOMs and ECOs in PLM systems. Expertise in PCB packaging, OTS integration, and enclosure design. Experience designing and routing LV/HV internal harnessing. Strong cross-functional leadership and the ability to execute hands-on when needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with ENOVIA/3DXFamiliarity with APQP/PPAP, DV/PV testing, and automotive environmental standards.
  • Strong understanding of reliability engineering.
  • HV safety experience (creep/clearance, insulation, sealing).Supplier tooling oversight and rapid-iteration prototyping experience.
  • Start-up experience strongly preferred.
  • Tools & SystemsCATIA V5/V6/3DXPLM: 3DEXPERIENCE/ENOVIAMS Project / Smartsheet / Jira / Confluence
  • Microsoft 365

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