Design & Release Engineer - Exterior Lighting

ALTEN Technology USA•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

ALTEN Technology USA is hiring a Design & Release Engineer (DRE) for Exterior Lighting to support development, validation, and industrialization of automotive exterior lighting systems, including headlamps, taillights, fog lamps, illuminated grilles, and sensors. The role combines design engineering with testing and release activities to ensure components meet performance, safety, regulatory, and cost targets. The engineer collaborates with optical, mechanical, electrical, and software teams, suppliers, and manufacturing plants to deliver lighting solutions from concept through mass production. The role offers opportunities to develop toward project leadership and supplier management. ALTEN Technology USA is an engineering company with more than 3,000 experts across North America and is part of the global ALTEN Group, which has more than 57,000 engineers in 30 countries. The company works across sectors including aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, and rail, and supports clients across the product development cycle. The job description mentions mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field and 0–5 years of automotive engineering experience. The role requires proficiency in 3D/2D modeling tools such as NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks, basic GD&T knowledge, and strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. Familiarity with automotive lighting regulations and exposure to DFMEA, DVP&R, Six Sigma, or PLM systems are beneficial. A master’s degree, exterior lighting development experience, hands-on prototyping or validation experience, knowledge of emerging lighting technologies, additional language skills, and supplier or project leadership experience are preferred. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination on the listed protected grounds. ALTEN USA is a federal contractor and maintains a drug-free workplace; candidates selected for employment must successfully complete pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
0–5 years of experience in automotive engineering (OEM or Tier 1), with exposure to design, testing, or release processes.
Proficiency in 3D/2D modeling tools such as NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks.
Basic understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.
Fluency in English for technical discussions.

Nice To Haves

Internship or co-op experience in lighting systems, electronics, or automotive components.
Familiarity with automotive lighting regulations such as FMVSS or ECE.
Knowledge of LED technology, optics, or thermal management.
Exposure to DFMEA, DVP&R, or Six Sigma; Green Belt certification is a plus.
Familiarity with PLM systems such as Teamcenter or Windchill.
Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
Experience with automotive exterior lighting development, such as headlamps or taillights.
Hands-on prototyping, testing, or validation experience in a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of emerging lighting technologies such as adaptive lighting, laser, or matrix LED.
Proficiency in Italian, French, or German for global collaboration.
Prior supplier management or cross-functional project leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Support the design of exterior lighting components using 3D/2D modeling tools such as NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks.
Optimize designs for performance, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
Collaborate with optical and electrical teams to integrate LED, halogen, and adaptive lighting systems into vehicle architectures.
Contribute to system requirements, including optical performance, thermal management, and regulatory compliance.
Work with suppliers to develop and iterate prototypes based on testing feedback.
Plan and execute Design Verification Plans (DVP&R) to validate lighting components against specifications.
Conduct functional and durability tests, including environmental, thermal, vibration, and regulatory compliance testing.
Analyze test results and troubleshoot failures using tools or processes such as 8D reports, CPRT, or Quality Alert tools.
Ensure compliance with automotive lighting regulations, including FMVSS, ECE, and IIHS requirements.
Support vehicle-level validation, including on-road testing and assembly plant evaluations.
Assist in managing engineering changes, including Change Notices and temporary or permanent deviations.
Coordinate with suppliers to implement DFMEAs and PFMEAs for risk mitigation.
Support manufacturing plant pilot phases and production ramp-up.
Contribute to cost reduction initiatives (TCR/VO) while maintaining quality and performance.
Work with purchasing, quality, and manufacturing teams to resolve technical issues.
Participate in supplier meetings to align on design, validation, and production timelines.
Support warranty investigations and continuous improvement activities.
Document technical decisions and share best practices with the engineering team.