We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. **Role Overview** - As a **Design & Release Engineer (DRE) for Exterior Lighting**, you will play a **pivotal role in the development, validation, and industrialization** of exterior lighting systems (e.g., headlamps, taillights, fog lamps, illuminated grilles, and sensors). - This role combines **design engineering** with **rigorous testing and release processes** to ensure that lighting components meet **performance, safety, regulatory, and cost targets**. - You will collaborate with **cross-functional teams** (optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers), **suppliers**, and **manufacturing plants** to deliver high-quality lighting solutions from **concept to mass production**. - This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy **both technical design and hands-on validation**, with opportunities to grow into **project leadership** and **supplier management**. **Key Responsibilities** **1. Design & Development** - Support the **design of exterior lighting components** (3D/2D modeling using **NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks**). - Assist in **optimizing designs** for performance, manufacturability, and cost efficiency. - Collaborate with **optical and electrical teams** to integrate lighting systems (LED, halogen, adaptive lighting) into vehicle architectures. - Contribute to **system requirement definitions** (e.g., optical performance, thermal management, regulatory compliance). - Work with suppliers to **develop and iterate prototypes** based on testing feedback. **2. Testing & Validation** - Plan and execute **Design Verification Plans (DVP&R)** to validate lighting components against specifications. - Conduct **functional and durability tests** (e.g., environmental, thermal, vibration, and regulatory compliance tests). - Analyze test results and **troubleshoot failures** (e.g., using **8D reports, CPRT, or Quality Alert tools**). - Ensure compliance with **automotive lighting regulations** (e.g., FMVSS, ECE, IIHS requirements). - Support **vehicle-level validation** (e.g., on-road testing, assembly plant evaluations). **3. Release & Industrialization** - Assist in managing **engineering changes (Change Notices - CNs)** and temporary/permanent deviations. - Coordinate with suppliers to **implement DFMEAs and PFMEAs** for risk mitigation. - Support **pilot phases** in manufacturing plants to ensure smooth production ramp-up. - Contribute to **cost reduction initiatives (TCR/VO)** without compromising quality or performance. **4. Cross-Functional Collaboration** - Work closely with **purchasing, quality, and manufacturing teams** to resolve technical issues. - Participate in **supplier meetings** to align on design, validation, and production timelines. - Support **warranty investigations** and continuous improvement activities. - Document technical decisions and **share best practices** with the engineering team. **Basic Qualifications** - **Education:** - Bachelor’s degree in **Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field**. - **Experience:** - **0–5 years** of experience in **automotive engineering** (OEM or Tier 1), with exposure to **design, testing, or release processes**. - Internships or co-op experience in **lighting systems, electronics, or automotive components** are a plus. - **Technical Skills:** - Proficiency in **3D/2D modeling tools** (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks). - Basic understanding of **GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)**. - Familiarity with **automotive lighting regulations** (e.g., FMVSS, ECE) is a plus. - Knowledge of **LED technology, optics, or thermal management** is desirable. - **Soft Skills:** - Strong **problem-solving and analytical skills**. - Ability to **work in a team** and communicate effectively (written and verbal). - **Fluent in English** (technical discussions). - **Tools/Methodologies:** - Exposure to **DFMEA, DVP&R, or Six Sigma** (Green Belt certification is a plus). - Familiarity with **PLM systems (Teamcenter, Windchill)** is beneficial. **Preferred Qualifications** - Master’s degree in **Engineering or a related field**. - Experience with **automotive exterior lighting development** (e.g., headlamps, taillights). - Hands-on experience with **prototyping, testing, or validation** in a manufacturing environment. - Knowledge of **emerging lighting technologies** (e.g., adaptive lighting, laser, matrix LED). - Proficiency in **Italian, French, or German** (for global collaboration). - Prior experience with **supplier management** or **cross-functional project leadership**. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy. ***Please beware of job seeker scams and see this [important notice](https://www.alten.com/careers/job-offers/) on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.*** **Compliance Notice:** Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. **Drug Screening Requirement:** As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.