Design Release Engineer

Job Title: Design and Release Engineer

Location: Metro Detroit

Employment Type: Contract (Consulting)

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Design and Release Engineer (DRE) with a strong background and experience with Ford Systems. This individual will be instrumental in relieving current design bottlenecks and accelerating development timelines across multiple vehicle systems. The ideal candidate brings cross-functional design experience- spanning structural, electrical, mechanical, and chassis components- and can step into various programs with minimal ramp-up time.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the design, development, and release of a range of vehicle components, ensuring compliance and specifications.

Work with systems including, but not limited to: body structures, frames, chassis systems, electrical hardware/brackets, interior/exterior trim, HVAC components, and mounting assemblies.

Drive timely component release in alignment with GPDS, WERS, AVBOM, and other Ford-specific tools and standards.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Validation to deliver manufactured, cost-effective solutions.

Apply broad engineering knowledge to resolve issues across multiple domains, contributing to both early-phase concept and late-phase launch activities.

Support quality and validation processes through DFMEA, DVP&R, and root cause analysis efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering (master’s preferred).

5+ years of experience or background as a DRE supporting Ford vehicle programs.

Proven background across multiple component categories—such as body, chassis, electrical, and/or interior systems.

Proficient in CAD tools (CATIA, NX, or equivalent), with experience in Ford release systems (WERS, eFDVS, Teamcenter).

Agile and self-driven, with the ability to contribute across diverse product segments and quickly integrate into new teams.