Design and Release Engineer - Closures
BS-level Product Development roles on Crosslinked list a median of $118k (200 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.
Lead design, development, and validation of automotive closure systems from concept to production launch.
Worth knowing
The materials anglemetal/composite panels, sealing systems, structural adhesives, aluminum, composite panels
H-1B filings
SEGULA Technologies filed 37 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.
Most common titles: Supplier Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Dre “ Biw Upper Body. Median filed pay: $88K a year.
From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings
- Seniority
- Mid-level
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Experience
- 3+ yrs
- Industry
- Automotive
- Role
- Product Development
Role details
Position Overview
The Closure Design Release Engineer (DRE) leads the design, development, integration, and validation of automotive closure systems (doors, hood, tailgate/liftgate, trunk lid, side doors, and sealing/latching systems). This role spans concept creation through production launch, ensuring full compliance with structural, ergonomic, safety, NVH, and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Design & Integration: Lead 3D/2D CAD development for closure assemblies, including metal/composite panels, hinges, latches, drop glass mechanisms, and sealing systems.
- Cross-Functional Alignment: Coordinate with Styling, Body-in-White (BIW), Vehicle Integration, Ergonomics, and Manufacturing to align functional packaging and vehicle clearance.
- Validation & Testing: Define and execute DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) for sealing, water ingress, air leakage, slam durability, crash safety, and operational effort (effort-to-close).
- Root Cause & Issue Resolution: Analyze warranty, pre-production build, and assembly plant issues (gap and flush, wind noise, water leaks) using 8D and 5-Why methodologies.
- Supplier & Tooling Management: Manage Tier-1 supplier design deliverables, tool timing, DFM/DFA feasibility, and part approvals (PPAP).
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering.
- Experience: 3+ years of automotive engineering experience dedicated to vehicle closure systems as a Design Release Engineer.
- CAD/PLM Proficiency: Proficient in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX, along with PLM environments like Teamcenter or Enovia.
- Technical Mastery: Solid understanding of closure kinematics, stamping/joining processes (spot welding, hem flanging, structural adhesives), and sealing design.
- Quality & Engineering Tools: Practical knowledge of DFMEA, GD&T, 6-Sigma quality practices, and problem-solving protocols.
Preferred Qualifications
- EV Lightweight Structures: Experience with electric vehicle lightweight closure structures (aluminum, composite panels, frameless doors).
- Mechatronics & Powered Closures: Familiarity with powered closure systems (power liftgates, automated door actuation, electronic latches).
- Launch & Production Support: Pre-production build and assembly plant launch support experience.
Related roles
AI Sr Materials EngineerAlutiiq Information Management, LLC · Honolulu, HI $115k – $160k
AL Principal Textile specialist/Material scientistAllkemie · Boston, MA
RE Packaging Design EngineerRedwire · San Luis Obispo, CA $106k – $142k
SA Spirit Defense - Associate Research NDI EngineerSpirit AeroSystems (Boeing) · Wichita, KS $76k – $116k
RI Manufacturing EngineerRealTruck, Inc. · Massillon, OH