Functional Plastics DRE

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Exterior Trim & Functional Plastics to lead the development, release, and execution of exterior plastic components from initial concept through production launch. In this role, you will be the technical lead responsible for exterior trim components (e.g., bumpers, grilles, claddings, spoilers, cowl screens, functional air deflectors) with a heavy focus on plastic injection molding design, tooling feasibility, and resin selection .

Key Responsibilities

• Component Ownership: Lead the design, development, validation, and engineering release of exterior trim and functional plastic components in CAD/PLM systems.
• Injection Molding & DFM: Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with tier-1 suppliers and toolmakers; review tool flow simulations (Moldflow), draft angles, wall thickness uniformity, sink mark risks, and gate placement.
• Engineering & CAD Execution: Collaborate with Design Studios and Packaging teams to translate aesthetic concepts into release-ready, functional plastic parts while managing packaging envelopes, clearance, and interference.
• Validation & Testing: Define component specifications and DVP&R (Design Verification Plan & Report); lead physical testing for UV stability, impact resistance, thermal expansion, moisture absorption, and vehicle crash/aerodynamic performance.
• Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Tooling, Quality, Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams to manage engineering change orders (ECOs), root-cause quality issues (8D/A3 reports), and meet start-of-production (SOP) timelines.

Qualifications & Skill Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3+ years of direct engineering experience as a DRE or Product Engineer in exterior plastics/automotive trim.
• Plastic Injection Expertise (Critical): Deep understanding of thermoplastic resin selection (PP, ABS, PC/ABS, TPO, PA66), injection mold tooling construction, parting lines, lifters, slides, hot runner systems, and surface finish/grain requirements.
• CAD & PLM Proficiency: Hands-on proficiency in CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, or Creo, along with experience using automotive PLM software (e.g., Enovia, Teamcenter).
• Automotive Standards: Strong grasp of GD&T, datum structures, stack-up analysis, DFMEA, PFMEA, and APQP processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Plastics or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with Class-A surface design requirements and exterior painted or molded-in-color (MIC) trim components.
• Prior experience managing Tier-1 supplier tooling deliverables and factory build support.