Design Release Engineer (Fuel Systems)

Design Release Engineer – Fuel Systems

Location

Auburn Hills, MI

Work Type

Full-time (Contract)

Work Arrangement

Onsite

Role Summary

The Design Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), and production release of fuel and urea systems/components, including fuel/urea tanks and delivery modules. This role involves driving quality improvements, value optimization, weight reduction, and efficiency initiatives while serving as a primary technical liaison between internal vehicle teams, testing labs, manufacturing plants, and Tier-1 suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design, development, APQP, and production release of fuel and urea tanks and delivery modules.
• Drive component quality improvements, weight reduction, value optimization, and overall efficiency initiatives.
• Communicate technical product status, program timelines, and issues clearly to management and leadership.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with vehicle program teams, prototype/testing labs, CAE engineers, supplier operations, and manufacturing plants.
• Interface directly with Tier-1 suppliers to ensure product readiness, quality standards, and timing goals are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent).
• 2 to 5 years of relevant engineering experience as a Design Release Engineer, Product Engineer, or Component Engineer (must have release ownership, not primarily CAD/drafting focused).
• Hands-on engineering experience with fuel/urea systems (e.g., fuel tanks, fuel delivery modules/pumps, or urea/DEF tank systems).
• Working knowledge and understanding of APQP processes.
• Experience supporting product validation activities (DVP&R exposure).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to work across cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct fuel tank design/release experience.
• Direct Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) experience.
• Familiarity with injection molding and/or blow molding manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing and executing DFMEAs.
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) certification or training.
• Working knowledge of GD&T.
• Experience with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, or similar PLM/CAD systems.
• Exposure to virtual simulation tools.
• Knowledge of automotive fasteners and torque applications.
• Direct OEM automotive fuel systems experience.