Product Design Release Engineer

The Design Release Engineer for Internal combustion engine powercell components is responsible for the design, development, and technical leadership in the creation, validation, and release of these components for Stellantis’ vehicles. This includes pistons, piston rings, piston pins, connecting rods and piston cooling jets. The responsibilities include design and release of system components and/or specifying hardware requirements needed to meet program objectives.   

The role involves driving the design through all phases of the product lifecycle, including design concept, sourcing support, engineering validation, and production release through PPAP (Production Part Approval Process). The role will include interaction and or leading activities with multiple teams including manufacturing, quality, design, validation testing, supplier direction and purchasing groups.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design & Development: 

• Lead the design of powercell components which include engine pistons, rings, connecting rods and fasteners while ensuring alignment with vehicle and engine sub-system customer requirements. 

• Develop and refine concepts for Powercell cranktrain systems based on functional, safety, reliability, and performance requirements. 

• Support CAD modeling, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), and other design validation methods to ensure structural integrity and compliance with standards. 

• Collaborate with other engineering teams (engine calibration, engine testing, thermal, packaging, quality, manufacturing) to integrate components into the overall engine system. 

• Release & Program Management: 

• Manage design release activities from early concept through production, including the timely completion of applicable milestones such as B-Sample, C-Sample, PX0, X0, X1, X2, and X3. 

• Own the Engineering Bill of Materials (EBOM) and Change Notices (CNs) for structural components. 

• Ensure all parts meet quality, cost, and timing requirements. 

• Drive the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for lubrication systems components, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and customer specifications. 
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, suppliers, and quality, to ensure the successful release and implementation of designs. 

• Technical Guidance & Problem Solving: 

• Provide technical leadership support during the development and production stages to resolve design issues, material selection challenges, manufacturing restrictions, and process-related problems. 

• Lead DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and other risk assessment activities to ensure design robustness and mitigate potential issues. 

• Participate in the development of testing strategies for components, including engine dynamometer, vibration, fatigue and thermal testing. 

• Provide leadership, guidance, and problem-solving support for related hardware and extended team of engineers.  

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Work closely with suppliers to ensure design feasibility, cost competitiveness, and manufacturability of structural components. 

• Collaborate with validation teams to define and implement validation testing, ensuring structural components meet functional and performance metrics. 

• Partner with vehicle integration teams to ensure proper fitment, safety, and integration of components into the overall vehicle platform. 

• Strong support and collaboration for engine manufacturing plant especially for crankshaft machining and manufacturing processes. 

• Documentation & Reporting: 

• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including design specifications, drawings, models, test plans, and validation reports. 

• Ensure that all technical documentation is up-to-date and aligns with program timelines and PPAP requirements. 

• Report on project status, timelines, and risk assessments to senior management and stakeholders. 

• Report on component and system testing status and results for relevant components on a DVP&R. This includes tracking and analysis of tested engines to evaluate wear and function changes.   

Basic Qualifications: 

• A minimum of a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree field
• A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience working with engine components and systems design. Experience must be related to crankshafts, pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, lubrication systems, oil consumption, or oil circuits
• Understanding of Mechanics of Materials, NVH, Sealing systems, structural analysis, vibration, fastener basics, CAE Analysis, and GD&T
• Experience in selecting materials and manufacturing methods for mechanical components
• Ability to author system/component level requirements 
• Strong interpersonal communication, team/leadership skills/experience 
• Strong oral and written communication skills 
• Strong project management skills 
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems 
• Interest in internal combustion engine performance and function

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis engine systems engineering 
• Working experience in creation and execution of validation plans  
• Critical character traits to ensure success: Action Oriented, Dealing with Ambiguity, Customer Focus, Problem Solving
• Working experience with 3D cad programs, preferably Siemens NX 
• Familiarity with Stellantis engine development processes