Automotive Exterior Plastics Engineer #26931

Role details

Blue Chip Talent , in partnership with an automotive manufacturing organization, is seeking a skilled Automotive Exterior Trim Design Release Engineer (DRE) . This role is responsible for developing and releasing injection-molded exterior components, reviewing engineering designs, and managing supplier-driven changes throughout the vehicle development lifecycle. The ideal candidate has experience with Siemens Teamcenter and has supported at least one complete vehicle program through production launch.

Job Duties

• Manage the development and engineering release of automotive exterior trim and injection-molded plastic components
• Review CAD models, drawings, and Class A surfaces for design feasibility, manufacturability, and component integration
• Execute component releases and maintain engineering documentation within Siemens Teamcenter
• Coordinate engineering changes, design revisions, and technical requirements with suppliers and internal teams
• Evaluate component designs against vehicle safety, quality, cost, and manufacturing requirements
• Review and redline engineering drawings to identify and communicate required design modifications
• Coordinate technical approvals, release milestones, and component deliverables throughout vehicle development
• Track component readiness and resolve technical issues through production launch

Required

• 5+ years of automotive engineering experience with a focus on exterior trim and plastic components
• Experience developing and releasing injection-molded automotive exterior components
• Hands-on Design Release Engineering (DRE) experience, including component ownership, engineering changes, and supplier coordination
• Proficiency with Siemens Teamcenter for engineering releases, product data management, and change control
• Experience supporting at least one complete vehicle development program from initial development through production launch
• Ability to review 3D CAD models and engineering drawings for design feasibility and manufacturing concerns
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and injection molding manufacturing processes
• Valid passport and availability for approximately 5–25% travel
• CATIA V5 experience for CAD model review and technical evaluations
• Experience evaluating automotive Class A surfaces and exterior appearance requirements
• Familiarity with Reference Point System (RPS) and component locating strategies
• Experience redlining CAD drawings and managing technical design corrections
• Knowledge of exterior trim tooling, plastic component assembly, and validation processes
• Experience with automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier product development and release procedures

Blue Chip Talent is an award-winning and woman-owned talent solutions provider based out of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For over 30 years, we’ve specialized in IT, Engineering, and Professional Services staffing—now serving clients in 37 states and counting. We connect the market's elite talent with top employers, pairing exceptional white-glove service with proven hiring results to drive innovation and fuel growth.