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Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epitec

Design and Release Engineer - Exterior

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$37 - $42.25/hr

Exterior Lighting Engineer Dearborn, MI | Hybrid Schedule Are you passionate about automotive ... Teamcenter * CAD/CAE tools * Design Release Engineering * Automotive Product Development

G-TECH Services

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Design Resign Engineer (Exterior Lighting Engineer)

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$40 - $42/hr

Lead design and release activities for exterior lighting components. * Develop and review lighting CAD models using CATIA V5, 3DX, and Teamcenter . * Perform optical engineering and design-for ...

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Optimal Inc.

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Design Release Engineer - As we are trying to do build to print lighting in house, rather than tier ... Exterior Lighting Software literacy and mechatronics experience. * Strong understanding of ...

Rivian

Staff Lighting Design & Release Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $172K/yr

Design and develop exterior and interior lighting solutions for Rivian vehicles, translating ... Capable of managing the full part lifecycle, including design, engineering validation, and release ...

Rivian

Staff Lighting Design & Release Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $172K/yr

Design and develop exterior and interior lighting solutions for Rivian vehicles, translating ... Capable of managing the full part lifecycle, including design, engineering validation, and release ...

Purple Hires Inc

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Design of automotive component parts in CATIA V6. * Actively engage with Tier-I suppliers to ... Complete and release lighting components, sub-system and detail designs * Interpret simulation ...

Optimal Inc.

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Design Release Engineer - As we are trying to do build to print lighting in house, rather than tier ... Exterior Lighting Software literacy and mechatronics experience. * Strong understanding of ...

Optimal

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Design Release Engineer - As we are trying to do build to print lighting in house, rather than tier ... Exterior Lighting Software literacy and mechatronics experience. * Strong understanding of ...

Venteon

Design Release Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$135K/yr

Design Release Engineer - Exterior Accessories Minimum 5 Years experience in Design Release Engineering Venteon is currently seeking an experienced Design Release to fill a opening with a ...

Optimal Inc.

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

When developing 3D CAD, be capable of accounting for manufacturabilityDesign Release Engineer - As ... of Exterior Lighting Software literacy and mechatronics experience.Strong understanding of ...

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Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer information

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How much do exterior lighting design release engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for exterior lighting 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 does an exterior lighting design release engineer do?

An Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and releasing exterior lighting components for vehicles, such as headlights, taillights, and signal lamps. They collaborate with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure that lighting systems meet safety, regulatory, and aesthetic standards. Their role includes managing the technical specifications, testing prototypes, and resolving any design or production issues that arise. They also coordinate with suppliers and support the launch of new vehicle models by ensuring all lighting elements are ready for production.

What are the main challenges faced by an exterior lighting design release engineer when coordinating with cross-functional teams?

One of the primary challenges for an Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer is ensuring seamless communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, electrical, and quality assurance. Each team has different priorities and technical requirements, so aligning project timelines, resolving design conflicts, and maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards can be demanding. Successful engineers in this role proactively facilitate meetings, clarify technical specifications, and track progress using project management tools to keep everyone aligned and deliver high-quality lighting components on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exterior lighting design release engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, experience with automotive lighting systems, and knowledge of regulatory standards. Proficiency in CAD software (such as CATIA or NX), lighting simulation tools, and familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems are typically required, along with relevant certifications or training. Strong project management, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you coordinate with cross-functional teams and manage supplier relationships. These competencies ensure the successful design, validation, and launch of compliant, innovative lighting solutions within tight automotive development timelines.

What is the difference between Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer vs Lighting Design Engineer?

AspectExterior Lighting Design Release EngineerLighting Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or lighting design, certifications like LEED or IALD are commonRequires a degree in lighting, architecture, or engineering; certifications like IALD or LC are beneficial
Work EnvironmentFocuses on product release, testing, and validation in manufacturing or R&D settingsDesigns lighting solutions in architectural or interior projects, often in office or studio environments
Industry UsagePrimarily in manufacturing, automotive, or product development sectorsPrimarily in architecture, interior design, and urban planning sectors

The Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer specializes in the technical release and validation of lighting products, focusing on manufacturing and testing. In contrast, the Lighting Design Engineer concentrates on creating and designing lighting solutions for architectural and interior projects. While both roles require similar credentials and industry knowledge, their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer jobs?

For Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,537 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Design and Release Engineer - Exterior

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Epitec
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Epitecexternal

$37 - $42.25/hr

Contractor

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

  • Location: Dearborn, Michigan
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #106565

Now Hiring: Exterior Lighting Engineer
Dearborn, MI | Hybrid Schedule
Are you passionate about automotive lighting, product development, and vehicle technology? We are seeking an experienced Exterior Lighting Engineer to join a core engineering team responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of exterior lighting systems across multiple vehicle programs.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the future of in-house lighting development, supporting Build-to-Print (BTP) initiatives while collaborating across mechanical, electrical, optical, and systems engineering disciplines.
What You'll Do
Lead engineering activities for exterior lighting systems, including:
  • Headlamps
  • Taillamps
  • CHMSLs
  • Fog Lamps
  • License Plate Lamps

Develop and review lighting CAD using CATIA V5, Teamcenter, and related tools
Perform hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis of lighting system issues
Conduct laboratory investigations using:
  • Microscopes
  • Multimeters
  • Hand and power tools
  • Electrical testing equipment

Support optical system design and lighting performance improvements
Drive design-for-manufacturing initiatives with a focus on injection molding and component manufacturability
Collaborate with purchasing, suppliers, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams to deliver production-ready lighting systems
Lead and participate in:
  • Technical Design Reviews
  • DFMEAs
  • DVP&R development
  • Boundary Diagrams
  • P-Diagrams
  • SCCAFs
  • Failure Mode Avoidance activities

Support sourcing activities, cost studies, weight analysis, validation plans, and launch readiness
Required Qualifications
? Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
? 5+ years of experience in automotive lighting design, development, validation, or launch
? Strong experience with:
  • CATIA V5
  • Teamcenter
  • CAD/CAE tools
  • Design Release Engineering
  • Automotive Product Development

? Knowledge of:
  • Injection molding processes
  • GD&T
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
  • Benchmarking and feasibility studies

? Experience managing multiple engineering issues and cross-functional priorities
Preferred Qualifications
7+ years of automotive lighting experience
Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer (DRE) background
Optical engineering experience
Mechatronics and software literacy
DFMEA, PFMEA, SCCAF, and DVP&R expertise
8D and 5 Why problem-solving methodologies
Six Sigma principles
Experience with manufacturing processes and vehicle launch support
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