Design & Release Engineer (Exterior Trim)

We are looking for a seasoned and proactive Design Release Engineer (DRE) for Exterior Trim to join our engineering center in Toluca. In this role, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of exterior trim components from initial concept and virtual design through validation, tooling, and final vehicle launch. You will act as the technical owner, ensuring components meet strict aesthetic, functional, financial, and quality targets. This is a hybrid position, combining the flexibility of remote work with 2-3 days of on-site collaboration at our Toluca facility to oversee physical vehicle integration and team alignments.

Key Responsibilities

Cradle-to-Grave Ownership: Own the design, development, release, and launch of Exterior Trim components (e.g., bumpers, grilles, spoilers, claddings, moldings, and badging).

Technical Specifications: Define, manage, and execute product performance specifications, test plans (DFMEA, DVP&R), and mechanical requirements.

Supplier Management: Lead technical reviews with Tier 1 suppliers to ensure tooling, manufacturing processes (injection molding, painting, chrome plating), and parts readiness meet program milestones.

CAD & Packaging Alignment: Collaborate with Design/Styling studios and CAD designers to resolve packaging conflicts, ensuring class-A surface feasibility and proper vehicle integration.

Problem Solving & Issue Resolution: Lead root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why) for any engineering or manufacturing issues identified during prototype and pre-production build phases.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the main point of contact for Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and Assembly Plants to ensure flawless product execution.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, or Polymer/Plastics Engineering.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of proven experience as a Design Release Engineer (DRE) specifically focused on Exterior Trim or complex automotive plastic components.

Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of plastic injection molding, material selection (PP, ABS, PC), painting/chroming processes, and vehicle assembly methods.

Engineering Tools: Proficiency in reading/interpreting GD&T, and experience navigating 3D data in CAD software (e.g., NX, CATIA V5) for packaging and design reviews.

Languages: Professional professional fluency in English and Spanish (written and verbal) is mandatory for collaboration with global engineering centers and suppliers.

Work Setup: Ability to work on-site at our Toluca office 2-3 days a week, with occasional travel to local assembly plants or suppliers as required.