Expert Design & Release Engineer - Body Welding & Joining

Job Summary:

The Design and Release Engineer (DRE) – Body Welding & Joining is the technical authority for body welding and joining processes (resistance spot welding, MIG and laser welding, structural adhesives, flow-drill screws and self-piercing rivets).

At Expert Level, the engineer sets design standards, leads the most complex cross-platform and launch issues, and mentors the engineering team.

The position defines joining methods, weld locations and specifications on the Body-in-White, and partners with body shop manufacturing engineering, materials and CAE to ensure joint strength, weld quality and plant feasibility.

The role works to achieve program objectives for cost, timing, weight and quality.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Act as the technical authority for body welding and joining processes (resistance spot welding, MIG and laser welding, structural adhesives, flow-drill screws and self-piercing rivets): define the design strategy, standards and release roadmap across vehicle programs and platforms.

Set the strategy for and govern weld and joint definition (weld locations, flange design, access and sequence) in NX and Teamcenter, in line with joining standards across programs.

Set the strategy for and govern joint performance, weld quality and process feasibility with manufacturing engineering, materials and CAE, including multi-material joining and structural adhesives across programs.

Drive cross-functional alignment on packaging and interface strategy with body shop manufacturing engineering, materials, CAE and body structure teams, Architecture/Vehicle Concepts and PDO, and arbitrate conflicting requirements at program and platform level.

Define core DFMEA, DVP&R and functional-objective standards, review and approve documentation across the team, and drive reuse and standardization.

Set CAD, template (KBE) and release best practices, and ensure geometry quality, change management and CAD milestone compliance across the commodity.

Lead strategic supplier engagement and escalated launch or field issues, and guide the approach to weld validation (destructive and non-destructive testing) and build support using structured problem solving (e.g., DFSS, Shainin, Kepner-Tregoe).

Own commodity-level cost, weight and quality targets, mentor and develop engineers, capture cross-platform lessons learned, and represent the area to senior management.

Position Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Materials or Welding/Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent discipline from an ABET-accredited (or equivalent) program. A Master’s degree in Engineering or Business is a plus.

8+ years of experience in Body-in-White welding, joining or body structure engineering, with multiple program launches and recognized technical leadership.

Expert-level command of NX and Teamcenter, DFMEA, DVP&R and validation planning; KBE/template experience and in-plant launch leadership desired.

Deep expertise in resistance spot, laser and MIG welding, structural adhesives, mechanical fastening, weld and joining standards and GD&T, recognized as a reference inside and outside the team.

Proven leadership, mentoring and influencing skills with senior management and suppliers; ability to reach consensus on complex issues. DFSS Green/Black Belt and reactive problem-solving certification preferred.

Ability to support meetings throughout North American work hours and to work closely with local engineering teams, Architecture/Vehicle Concepts, program science teams and PDO.