Travel: Occasional day trips to local Detroit-area facilities/suppliers; occasional travel to manufacturing facilities and suppliers in Mexico and Canada.
Position Overview
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Design Release Engineer - Base Engine Components to join our engineering team at the Chrysler Technology Center. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, specification, testing, validation, and release of Propulsion Systems and base engine components for assigned vehicle families.
You will manage the lifecycle of internal combustion engine, electric motor, and power electronics accessory components—driving cost reductions, managing supplier validation, and resolving complex quality and warranty issues to support seamless assembly plant operations and vehicle launches.
Essential Functions
Component Design & Development
CAD Design: Create and modify 2D and 3D designs using Siemens NX or CATIA for engine components, power electronics accessories, and electronic module support brackets.
Standardization: Benchmark components across vehicle families to optimize performance, reduce weight, and maximize cost efficiency.
Documentation & Risk Management: Create, maintain, and update DFMEA documents and collaborate with suppliers to coordinate PFMEAs.
Testing, Validation & Quality Analysis
Validation Testing: Author, request, and execute Design Verification Plan & Reports (DVP&R) to ensure compliance with strict design and durability requirements.
Supplier Quality Management: Review supplier-driven changes (tooling, production relocation, Tier 2 changes), authorize required testing, and manage "Forever Requirements."
Root Cause & Failure Analysis: Analyze functional and durability failures in the field and assembly plants using internal problem management systems (GIMS). Implement permanent corrective actions to reduce warranty expense per unit sold ($/1000 and C/1000 metrics).
Plant Support & Launch Operations
Change Management: Author and process Engineering Change Notices (CNs), Temporary Substitution requests, and Tool Kick-Off (TKO) requests.
Plant Evaluation: Manage Production Evaluation Requests (PER) and issue Interim Approval Authorizations (IAA) for temporary part validations.
Launch Support: Provide hands-on assistance during Pilot and Pre-series events at the assembly plants, verifying manufacturing processes before mass production release.
Cross-Functional & Service Lifecycle Support
Supplier Sourcing: Collaborate with purchasing teams to develop parts with suppliers according to the formal "Source Package" process.
Service & Aftermarket Support: Partner with the Service Team to develop Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), Tech Master videos, GPOP, Star Online Publications, and updated service procedures.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Automotive, or Electro-Mechanical Engineering.
Experience: 1–3 years of experience in the automotive industry, specifically within a product development or product engineering role.
Core Technical Knowledge:
Solid understanding of internal combustion engine components, powertrain physics, thermodynamics, and dynamics.
Experience designing internal engine components, electric motor/power electronics accessories, or module support brackets.
Software: Foundational skill in 3D computer design software (NX or CATIA).
Preferred Qualifications
Automotive Systems: Deep understanding of full-vehicle systems, assembly/manufacturing methodologies, and statistical analysis (e.g., Minitab).
Problem Solving Certifications: DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) Green Belt/Black Belt or Reactive (Shainin) Green/Black Belt certification.
Soft Skills: Highly disciplined with excellent planning and synthesis capabilities; a proactive, analytical team player who can confidently present technical ideas.
Tools: Proficiency with standard project management and office suites (Microsoft Office, Project).
