Design Release Engineer – Wheels, Wheel Trim, and Tires

Segula Technologies•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required.
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in automotive component design and release, with a focus on wheels, tires, or chassis systems preferred.
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.
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.
Willingness to travel to supplier sites, test labs, and manufacturing plants as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is preferred.
Familiarity with OEM vehicle development processes is a plus.

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.