Senior Electrical Design Release Engineer

Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) — Electrical Systems Department: Electrical Systems Reports to: Director, Electrical Systems · Employment Type: Full-time/On-site Role Overview Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) manages the design, release, and lifecycle of electrical/electro-mechanical modules and Off-The-Shelf (OTS) components. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment, where no job is too small, and where leadership means owning the details — from CAD and BOM accuracy to strategic design decisions and supplier execution. They will package circuit boards, integrate internal harnessing (LV/HV), drive enclosure tooling, manage change processes, support hands-on prototype builds, and deliver to program milestones. They are both a technical expert and a practical problem-solver who jumps in wherever needed to ensure successful execution. Key Responsibilities Product Ownership & Release Serve as the technical lead and single point of accountability for assigned modules, from concept through SOP and sustaining.Manage detailed part-level execution while always considering system-level impactOwn complete product definition including CAD, engineering requirements, drawings, GD&T, materials and sealing strategySupport prototype and pilot builds hands-on, resolving issues at the bench or on the line as needed.Prepare and release assembly documentation for box build assemblies (BBA)PCB & Module Packaging Lead packaging of PCBs into enclosures, including connector layouts, stack-ups, thermal management, sealing, and EMC control.Own selection, qualification, and integration of off-the-shelf components (connectors, vents, fasteners, displays, grommets, thermal parts).Perform DMU/clash analysis and ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and robustness.Harnessing Inside Enclosures or Box Builds (LV & HV) Design and integrate internal harnessing for both low-voltage and high-voltage systems within enclosures or BBAsEstablish routing paths that meet electrical safety, mechanical constraints, bend radius, creepage/clearance, thermal considerations, and EMC requirements.Specify fixation methods (clips, cable channels, strain-relief points, clamps, grommet routing, tie-downs).Validate harness integration through:Fit checks and tolerance simulationsVibration/robustness assessmentsThermal exposure and derating checksHV safety evaluationsEnvironmental simulationsEnclosure Design & Tooling Own enclosure design for injection molding, die casting, sheet metal, machining, and rapid-prototype builds.Work with a vendor to define tooling strategy (class, gating, parting line, draft, T0/T1/Tn expectations).Drive DFM/DFA reviews, tooling kickoff, and sample evaluation with suppliers.Resolve tooling issues quickly, pragmatically, and collaboratively.CATIA / CAD / PLM Create and manage high-quality CATIA V6/3DEXPERIENCE models and assemblies.Produce engineering drawings using GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and perform tolerance stack-ups.Maintain EBOM configuration in PLM systems with high accuracy and discipline.BOM Ownership Own the Engineering BOM end-to-end:Part number creation and revision controlAlternates and AML/AVLEffectivity managementCompleteness across subassemblies including consumablesEnsure clean alignment between EBOM ↔ MBOM and support service BOM development.Fix BOM issues at a tactical level if needed — no job too small.Change Management (ECR/ECO) Lead creation and implementation of ECR/ECOs, with clear problem statements, justification, impact analysis, and effectivity planning.Drive cross-functional approvals and ensure traceability to requirements, validation, and supplier inputs.Streamline ECO cycle time through proactive documentation and planning.Program & Timeline Management Own schedules for assigned components, identifying dependencies, risks, and mitigation plans.Work with and manage contractors for short term projectsDrive progress toward key milestones (Design Freeze, DV, PV, Tooling, PPAP, SOP).Work closely with suppliers on development, timing, and PPAP readiness.Step in hands-on to remove blockers in a start-up environment.Hands-On Prototype Build Support Work directly with technicians and engineering teams on bench builds, mock-ups, prototype assemblies, and in-vehicle installations.Assemble PCB modules, install OTS components, test harness routing, fit internal harnesses, torque fasteners, and validate sealing.Run physical clearance checks, thermal interface installation, vent/gasket placements, and mechanical fastener operations.Document issues, root causes, and feed detailed learnings quickly back into design, BOM, and ECO processes.Support rapid iteration in a start-up environment where speed, flexibility, and hands-on problem-solving are essential.Minimum Qualifications B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.7+ years in DRE/Product Engineering in automotive or adjacent industries.Deep experience with CATIA and GD&T.Proven ownership of BOMs and ECOs in PLM systems.Expertise in PCB packaging, OTS integration, and enclosure design.Experience designing and routing LV/HV internal harnessing.Strong cross-functional leadership and the ability to execute hands-on when needed.Preferred Qualifications Experience with ENOVIA/3DXFamiliarity with APQP/PPAP, DV/PV testing, and automotive environmental standards.Strong understanding of reliability engineering.HV safety experience (creep/clearance, insulation, sealing).Supplier tooling oversight and rapid-iteration prototyping experience.Start-up experience strongly preferred.Tools & Systems CATIA V5/V6/3DXPLM: 3DEXPERIENCE/ENOVIAMS Project / Smartsheet / Jira / ConfluenceMicrosoft 365