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Design Release Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design & Release Engineer Job Location: Auburn Hills, MI Job Duration: 3 months, Contract to Hire * Operating development activities of the supplier * Engaging with assessment committees

Design & Release Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$99K - $166K/yr

... Mechanical Engineering. 3+ years of experience with electrical component design and development ... Release Management: Manage the formal release of components into Ford systems (such as WERS ...

ADAS Design Release Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$38 - $43.50/hr

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field * Minimum 1 year design and release experience with automotive ECUs (electronic modules) * Outstanding written and ...

Design Release Engineer

Pontiac, MI · Hybrid

$40 - $45.75/hr

Develop engineering designs and generate technical solutions for advanced and production hardware. Perform WCA analysis to assess design performance and robustness. Ensure lessons learned ...

Design Release Engineer - GM Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

$37.75 - $43.25/hr

The Role GM Defense is seeking Design Release Engineers (Level 6) to support the design, release, integration, validation, and lifecycle management of key vehicle subsystems on current and future ...

Design Release Engineer - USB

Warren, MI · Hybrid

$37.75 - $43.25/hr

Working as an USB Design Release Engineer (DRE) can provide one with a strong foundation of leadership skills. The USB DRE is responsible for definition of requirements, execution of design, analysis ...

Design Release Engineer - USB

Warren, MI · On-site

$37.75 - $43.25/hr

Working as an USB Design Release Engineer (DRE) can provide one with a strong foundation of leadership skills. The USB DRE is responsible for definition of requirements, execution of design, analysis ...

Design Release Engineer - GM Defense

Warren, MI · On-site

$37.75 - $43.25/hr

The Role GM Defense is seeking Design Release Engineers (Level 6) to support the design, release, integration, validation, and lifecycle management of key vehicle subsystems on current and future ...

ADAS Design Release Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$38 - $43.50/hr

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field * Minimum 1 year design and release experience with automotive ECUs (electronic modules) * Outstanding written and ...

Design Release Engineer - Thermal

Warren, MI · On-site

$37.75 - $43.25/hr

The Role As a Design Release Engineer (DRE) for Active Thermal Hardware, you will lead the design, development, validation, and release of thermal management components and subsystems. This includes ...

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Design Release Engineer information

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How much do design release engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for design release engineer in the United States is $42.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.70 and $44.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Design Release Engineers face when managing design changes throughout a product's lifecycle?

Design Release Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multiple teams—including design, manufacturing, and quality—to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned on design changes. Navigating tight deadlines while maintaining compliance with industry standards and documentation requirements can also be demanding. Additionally, managing late-stage design changes without impacting production schedules requires strong organizational and communication skills. Being proactive and detail-oriented helps in overcoming these hurdles and ensuring a smooth release process.

What is the difference between Design Release Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectDesign Release EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusManaging product release processes, ensuring design compliance, coordinating with manufacturingCreating and developing mechanical components and systems, focusing on design and functionality
Required SkillsDesign documentation, project management, CAD, quality controlCAD, mechanical analysis, prototyping, materials knowledge
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, manufacturing plants, quality assuranceDesign offices, R&D labs, prototyping facilities
Common IndustriesAutomotive, aerospace, electronics manufacturingAutomotive, consumer products, industrial equipment

While both roles involve engineering and CAD skills, the Design Release Engineer primarily manages the product release process and ensures design compliance, whereas the Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on developing mechanical components and systems. Both roles are essential in product development but serve different stages and responsibilities within the engineering lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Release Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Release Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, familiarity with product development lifecycles, and a relevant engineering degree. Expertise in CAD software, product data management (PDM) systems, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like Six Sigma are typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and manage design changes. These abilities are crucial for ensuring products meet quality standards, launch on time, and align with organizational goals.

How much does a GM design release engineer make?

A General Motors design release engineer typically earns between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of seniority. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and health insurance, and the role often requires knowledge of automotive design tools and engineering standards.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Design Release Engineer typically does not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within the tech or engineering industries. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, or leadership positions may approach high six-figure or low seven-figure compensation, especially with bonuses and stock options. Salary levels depend on industry, location, company size, and individual expertise.

What does a design release engineer do?

A design release engineer manages the process of approving and releasing product designs for manufacturing, ensuring they meet quality and engineering standards. They coordinate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams, often using tools like CAD software and PLM systems, to ensure timely and accurate product launches.

What are Design Release Engineers?

Design Release Engineers (DREs) are professionals who oversee the development, validation, and release of engineering designs, typically in the automotive or manufacturing industries. They act as the primary liaison between the design team, suppliers, and manufacturing, ensuring that parts or systems meet all requirements and are released on time and within budget. DREs are responsible for managing design changes, coordinating testing, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their role is critical in bringing products from concept to production while addressing technical and logistical challenges.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. Certain roles in technology, oil and gas, and aerospace industries tend to have higher compensation levels due to the complexity and demand of the work.
More about Design Release Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Design Release Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Design Release Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Design Release Engineer jobs? The top employers for Design Release Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Design Release Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Design Release Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Design Release Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,537 per year, or $42.6 per hour.
Design & Release Engineer

Design & Release Engineer

Superbeo

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Design & Release Engineer
Job Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Job Duration: 3 months, Contract to Hire
Job Description:
  • Operating development activities of the supplier
  • Engaging with assessment committees
  • Participating in development missions (hot, cold, temperate, altitude)
  • Engaging in joint MaP sessions with related areas
  • Delivery of calibration at milestones in accordance with PCA process
  • Verifying compliance of delivered calibrations with carry-over rules
  • Ensuring correct integration of calibrations in freezes
  • Performing and analyzing freezing validation tests
  • Generating and releasing reports
  • Conducting and analyzing tests for calibration/validation of Driveability and Engine-Gearbox Intersystem functions (e.g., powertrain characterization, idle speed PIV, anti-lock)
  • Preparing and disseminating reports
  • Filing acquisition data and storing analysis results in a database
  • Analyzing issues encountered during development
  • Proposing precautionary solutions and developing sustainable ones
  • Updating repositories and carry-over policy
  • Specifying and coding solutions for automatic validation test processing or from data lakes
  • Calibrating idle speed (rpm, regulation) and component protection strategies
  • BVM/BVMP/BVA calibration (smoke mapping, anti-droop, idle robustness)
  • Validating systems, including engine-side anti-stall pre-calibration, close control, and PWT adaptation calibration
  • Calibrating and validating component protection functions
  • Following functional and inter-system validation tests and supplier development activities
  • Writing test reports and providing feedback at each phase
  • Calibrating BVA gear changes (e.g., stable foot, throttle release, pedal depression, Lock-up states in Drive and CMI)
  • Calibrating torque blending, gearbox self-adaptive devices, torque bypass, anti-overspeed, temperature patches, drag reduction, turbine torque recovery function, and calibration safety
  • Validating engine/PWT behavior during gear shifts, PWT in Lock-up phases, intra-PWT exchanges, and engine software at each project phase
  • Mastering calibration of learning (e.g., transmissibility, kisspoint, clutch actuator) and thermal models (clutch, hydraulics)
  • Calibrating take-off, clutch opening/closing (with and without gearshift), hypershift mode, automatic switch thresholds, warmup, and dynamic corrections
  • Verifying engine torque accuracy and drivability objectives, including ADAS interactions
  • Calibrating engine mapping (pedal mappings), BVMP/BVA gear changes, shift laws, and anti-stalls
  • Optimizing BVM/BVMP/BVA take-off, transient calibration in fixed gear, and shift patterns (Normal, ECO, Sport, CC, ACC modes)
  • Calibrating emissions standards, ECO mode, city legal standards, slope, thermal protection, snow/winter driving, ESP, Manual/Automatic modes, lock-up/slip control, neutral control, dynamic functions (cornering, fast off), torque converter scheduling, and hot/altitude corrections
  • Managing acoustic/consumption/brio compromises and system/inter-system calibration
  • Calibrating easy move (torque management, learning conditions) and CAN dialog
  • Downloading software and calibrations, imposing operating modes, and conducting functional validation
  • Approving gear ratio changes and gearbox brio
  • Participating in approval test commissions and organizing test committees
  • Assessing engine approval and brio
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering; IC in electrical engineering
  • Proficiency in Inca, MDA, Creta, Concerto, Optisim work environments
  • Necessary permits for tests (driving, electrical, etc.), if applicable
  • Good knowledge of office tools (MS Office pack)
  • Knowledge of electrical concepts, multiplexing systems, and PID control systems
  • Valid driver's license and engine inter-system expertise
  • High proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing)