Design Release Engineer – Wheels, Wheel Trim, and Tires

Description

The Design Release Engineer (DRE) for Wheels, Wheel Trim, and Tires is responsible for leading the end-to-end design and release of wheel and tire components, from concept development through vehicle launch. This role requires close coordination with suppliers, design studios, and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure components meet performance, safety, cost, and timing requirements. The DRE also plays a key role in validation testing, issue resolution, and continuous improvement throughout the product development cycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and release of wheels, wheel trim, and tire components.
• Collaborate with styling/design studios and suppliers to meet both functional and aesthetic system-level requirements.
• Ensure alignment with program schedules, tracking deliverables using KPIs and Change/Work/Issue (C/W/I) metrics.
• Interface with vehicle integration and packaging teams to ensure proper fit, form, and function.
• Develop and issue source packages and coordinate closely with purchasing teams for sourcing activities.
• Define, coordinate, and execute test plans at the component, subsystem, and vehicle levels to validate performance.
• Support tire product development across assigned vehicle programs.
• Manage tire functional performance targets and conduct benchmarking to assess competitiveness and identify improvements.
• Present program status, technical risks, and action plans to cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Address quality, manufacturing, and service-related concerns during all phases of vehicle development.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in automotive component design and release, with a focus on wheels, tires, or chassis systems preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of wheel and tire design, materials, and performance testing.
• Proficient in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX) for component design, packaging, and integration.
• Experience with Design Validation Plans and Reports (DVP&R) and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA).
• Familiarity with tire performance metrics, test procedures, and development methodologies.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, quality standards, and cost optimization strategies.

Soft Skills:

• Effective project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for cross-functional collaboration.
• Skilled in analytical problem-solving and technical decision-making.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel to supplier sites, test labs, and manufacturing plants as needed.
• Familiarity with OEM vehicle development processes is a plus.