Product Engineer / Automotive Plastics

Job Description

Job Description

Design Release Engineer - Bumper, Fascia, Grille & Exterior TrimPosition Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Design Release Engineer (DRE) to support the development and launch of future vehicle programs involving bumpers, fascias, grilles, and exterior trim systems , with a focus on plastic, chrome, painted, and decorative components.

The Design Release Engineer serves as the primary owner of assigned components throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from concept and design through validation, production launch, and warranty support. Acting as the "CEO" of their parts, the DRE is responsible for managing quality, cost, weight, timing, performance, manufacturability, and supplier execution while coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure successful program delivery. This role requires strong engineering, program management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development & Design Release

• Lead the design, development, validation, release, and launch of bumper systems, fascias, grilles, and exterior trim components.
• Own component execution from concept through production and service life.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, Bills of Material (BOM), and engineering change documentation.
• Ensure designs meet vehicle styling, functional, manufacturing, quality, cost, and timing requirements.
• Collaborate with Design Studio, CAE, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and Supplier Quality organizations to deliver robust component designs.
• Support engineering change management activities and drive design improvements throughout program development.

Program Management

• Manage component timing plans and ensure all program milestones are achieved.
• Act as the primary liaison between Automotive OEM, Internal teams, and supplier partners.
• Coordinate prototype builds, validation activities, tooling readiness, and production launch activities.
• Identify program risks proactively and implement mitigation plans.
• Drive resolution of issues impacting quality, cost, performance, or timing.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and communicate program status to leadership and stakeholders.

Validation & Quality

• Lead Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities and design reviews.
• Support Design Reviews Based on Failure Modes (DRBFM) and Design Reviews Based on Test Results (DRBTR).
• Track validation plans, test results, and issue resolution activities.
• Investigate product concerns and support root cause analysis utilizing systems such as PRTS.
• Implement lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, durability, warranty performance, and customer satisfaction.

Manufacturing & Supplier Management

• Partner with suppliers to achieve design, quality, and timing objectives.
• Support sourcing activities and supplier technical reviews.
• Ensure components are designed for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA).
• Work closely with manufacturing plants to support prototype builds, launch readiness, and production issue resolution.
• Participate in tool design reviews, manufacturing feasibility assessments, and quality improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience in automotive product development, design engineering, or design release engineering.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, plastics, exterior trim systems, and automotive manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and engineering drawing standards.
• Experience using CAD tools such as CATIA, NX (Unigraphics), or similar design software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and drive cross-functional teams toward program objectives.
• Must be authorized to work in the US

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with bumper systems, fascias, grilles, exterior trim, plastic components, decorative chrome applications, or injection-molded products.
• Experience with DFMEA, DRBFM, DRBTR, APQP, and automotive product validation processes.
• Knowledge of GM Global Vehicle Development Process (GVDP) or equivalent automotive product development systems.
• Familiarity with manufacturing, tooling development, injection molding, painting, plating, and assembly processes.
• Experience supporting vehicle launches and supplier quality initiatives.
• Understanding of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies.

Skills & Competencies

• Program ownership mindset with the ability to lead component execution independently.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause investigation skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive decisions across multiple organizations.
• Detail-oriented with strong technical judgment.
• Team player capable of working effectively with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced automotive development environment while managing competing priorities.
• Strong presentation and leadership communication skills.

Travel

• Up to 10% overnight travel, primarily to supplier facilities, manufacturing plants, validation sites, and program-related meetings.

Success Measures

This role will be measured on:

• Quality and warranty performance of assigned components.
• Achievement of program timing milestones.
• Successful launch execution.
• Cost and weight target attainment.
• Supplier performance and issue resolution effectiveness.
• Cross-functional collaboration and leadership in delivering robust customer-focused designs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Warren,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.