Design and Release Engineer (Roof Mechanisms Systems)
The Design Release Engineer for Roof Mechanisms Systems leads the design, development, validation, and release of automotive roof components such as moonroofs and convertible tops. This role drives design improvements for quality, cost, and weight optimization, manages supplier collaboration, and ensures compliance with technical and manufacturing requirements throughout the product lifecycle. The position requires strong mechanical engineering expertise, proficiency in CAD and analysis tools, and hands-on leadership in cross-functional and supplier environments, with a fully onsite work arrangement.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
This opportunity is for a Design and Release Engineer focused on Roof Mechanisms Systems (moonroofs, convertible tops, alternative roof systems and related components). You will lead design, validation, release and supplier engagement to deliver robust vehicle-level roof systems that meet cost, weight, quality and timing targets. This role is fully onsite in Dearborn, MI.
What you’ll do
- Lead supplier partnerships and on-site engineering to meet program cost, weight, quality, performance and timing targets for roof mechanism systems.
- Apply GPDS and program processes to create on-time delivery plans.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to validate roof component interfaces and ensure vehicle-level system robustness.
- Prepare and present technical reviews to peers and management.
- Perform and review technical analyses (GD&T stackups, CAE, dynamic simulations) and participate in Technical Design Reviews.
- Release and maintain parts in PLM/BOM systems (FEDEBOM, WERS, Teamcenter) and document compliance with design rules and requirements.
- Create and lead DFMEAs, P-Diagrams, Boundary Diagrams, DVP&Rs and other risk/validation artifacts.
- Develop engineering concepts, ESOWs and support sourcing activities (SOBA, ED&T, piece cost and tooling reviews).
- Define validation, durability, and functional tests and support test planning (DVP/FEDE).
- Lead root cause analysis (8D, 3x5Why, Six Sigma methods) and implement corrective actions.
- Support prototype requirements and parts sign-off at assembly plants; resolve quality issues across milestones.
- Travel to supplier and North American plant sites as required.
Required skills & qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 2+ years engineering experience in design, development or launch of automotive mechanisms (internships/coursework count).
- Hands-on CAD experience (CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter or similar) — open, measure and interpret 3D data; creation of CAD deliverables is a plus.
- Familiarity with CAE tools and the ability to perform engineering analyses.
- Experience leading product development considering manufacturing, metrology, quality, customer requirements and costing.
- Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals: tolerance analysis, GD&T, attribute-driven design, DFMEA, problem resolution and root cause analysis (5/8D, 3x5Why, fishbone).
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and able to present clear, concise technical slides.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues, show initiative, prioritize work and work effectively on-site.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Preferred skills
- Experience with PFMEA, PPAP, Statistical Process Controls and process capability interpretation.
- Software literacy and mechatronics experience.
- Strong statistical analysis skills and experience applying distribution models to reliability/data analysis.
- Hands-on experience with DFMEA/PFMEA/SCCAF and phased PPAP processes.
- Deep understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies and GD&T for exterior mechanisms.
- Prior experience specifically in roof system mechanisms (moonroofs, convertibles, moveable backlites) is a strong plus.
Compensation & work location
- Estimated salary (source): $196,227 per year (estimated).
- Worksite: Fully onsite — 5 days per week in Dearborn, MI.
Education & experience
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (required).
- Experience: Minimum 2+ years in applicable automotive mechanisms roles; CAD capable and familiar with CAE tools.
Use of AI & interview expectations
- Unless expressly authorized in interview instructions, candidates should not use AI tools or third-party assistance to generate substantive answers during interviews or assessments. Candidates must respond using their own knowledge and experience. Failure to adhere may remove candidates from consideration.
Confidentiality
- Employer listed in the original source is replaced here by "Confidential Client." Careertakes is managing applications and candidate matching for this confidential client.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range