Exterior Lighting Design & Release Engineer

EDAG • Troy, MI

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About The Position

EDAG is seeking an Exterior Lighting Design & Release Engineer to own headlamps, rear lamps, and other exterior lighting systems from concept through start of production (SOP). The role leads design and release activities across optical, mechanical, and electrical/electronic interfaces, including CAD data, bills of materials (BOMs), and engineering releases.

The engineer evaluates lighting concepts, optical feasibility, packaging, and vehicle integration with Studio, Body, E/E, and Manufacturing teams. They drive design reviews, engineering changes, and technical issue resolution while balancing performance, cost, weight, complexity, manufacturability, and timing. The role also defines lighting validation plans, ensures photometric compliance, supports prototype and vehicle builds and launch activities, guides suppliers, and serves as the primary technical interface for the customer. The engineer tracks milestones, risks, open issues, and engineering deliverables.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or Optical Engineering.
• At least 5 years of dedicated experience in exterior automotive lighting development.
• Proven design and release ownership of headlamps and/or rear lamps, including CAD reviews, BOMs, and change management.
• Strong expertise in optics, light distributions, LED/electronics, lamp construction, vehicle integration, and lighting regulations.
• Hands-on experience with photometric validation, prototype builds, launch support, and structured resolution of lighting issues.
• Proven collaboration with automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• English proficiency at C1-C2 level.

Nice To Haves

• North American OEM experience and familiarity with FMVSS/SAE requirements.
• Experience with Ansys SPEOS, photometric measurement, DFMEA, or DVP&R.
• Knowledge of optical plastics, tooling, lamp manufacturing processes, or interior lighting.

Responsibilities

• Own headlamps, rear lamps, and other exterior lighting systems from concept through SOP.
• Lead lighting design and release activities, including optical, mechanical, and E/E interfaces, CAD data, BOMs, and engineering releases.
• Evaluate lighting concepts, optical feasibility, packaging, and integration in collaboration with Studio, Body, E/E, and Manufacturing teams.
• Drive design reviews, engineering changes, and technical issue resolution, balancing performance, cost, weight, complexity, manufacturability, and timing.
• Define lighting validation plans, ensure photometric compliance, and support prototype builds, vehicle builds, and launch activities.
• Guide suppliers and serve as the primary technical interface for the customer.
• Track milestones, risks, open issues, and engineering deliverables.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time