Design & Release Engineer - Closures (Front Structure)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Jr. Design & Release Engineer (DRE) specializing in Front Structure Closures to support the design, development, packaging, and release of vehicle front-end closure assemblies. In this hybrid role, you will assist in managing component lifecycles for front-end closure systems, including hoods/bonnets, hood latching mechanisms, hinges, front structural reinforcement interfaces, and crash-box/crumple-zone packaging. You will collaborate closely with senior DREs, CAE simulation engineers, manufacturing plant personnel, and Tier-1 suppliers to ensure components meet structural rigidity, pedestrian protection safety standards, and assembly feasibility.

Key Responsibilities

• CAD Modeling & Packaging: Support 3D CAD modeling, component design updates, packaging studies, and clearance evaluations for front closure assemblies and structural interfaces in Siemens NX or CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE.
• Component Release & Change Management: Assist in creating, routing, and releasing Design Change Notices (DCN/ECN), updating Bills of Materials (BOM), and maintaining revision control throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Front Structural Integration: Work on the interface between moving closure panels (hood) and fixed front-end structural members (aprons, shock towers, radiator core supports, and bumper beams).
• Engineering Standards Application: Apply basic to intermediate Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles, conduct 2D/3D tolerance stack-up checks, and assist in updating DFMEA documents.
• Validation & Testing Support: Support physical prototype builds, vehicle assembly trial runs, and CAE validation feedback loop evaluations (modal, durability, hood flutter, and pedestrian impact testing).
• Cross-Functional Communication: Work alongside Stamping, Tooling, BIW Assembly, and Quality teams to verify basic Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) guidelines.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Front-End & Closures Fundamentals: Understanding of hood sheet-metal packaging, hinge kinematics, latch/striker positioning, and front crash/pedestrian safety structural concepts.
• 3D CAD & Clearance Packaging: Ability to perform packaging checks, interference detection, and basic kinematic swing studies for front closures.
• Engineering Data Management: Familiarity with BOM creation, part numbering systems, and PLM workflows for managing release changes.
• GD&T & Drafting Accuracy: Practical knowledge of 2D technical drawing generation compliant with ASME Y14.5 / ISO standards and basic tolerance stack-ups.
• Problem Solving & Collaboration: Strong analytical skills to support shop-floor fitment issue resolution and communicate cross-functionally across engineering teams.
  
  

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, or Aeronautical Engineering.
• Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience in CAD design, product development, or engineering validation within an automotive OEM or Tier-1 supplier environment (internship or academic competition/project experience like Formula SAE/Baja SAE is valued).
• Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX, CATIA V5, or 3DEXPERIENCE) and PLM environments (Teamcenter or Enovia).
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Fundamental understanding of sheet metal stamping, spot welding, structural adhesives, and hardware assembly.
• Languages: Business English and Spanish proficiency (written and verbal) for daily technical reporting and global engineering team interaction.
  
  

SEGULA Technologies is a global engineering group, boosting the competitiveness of all major industrial sectors: automotive, aerospace, energy, rail, naval, life sciences, and telecoms. With a presence in more than 30 countries and 140 locations worldwide, the Group prioritizes close relationships with its clients, driven by the expertise of its 15,000 employees. As a leading engineering player putting innovation at the heart of its strategy, SEGULA Technologies manages large-scale projects, ranging from initial studies to industrialization and production. SEGULA TECHNOLOGIES is dedicated to gender balance and diversity, recognizing and recruiting talent of all backgrounds.