Design Release Engineer

The Design Release Engineer for powertrain exhaust manifolds is responsible for the design, development, and technical leadership in the creation, validation, and release of exhaust manifolds and sub-components Stellantis' vehicles. The role involves driving the design through all phases of the product lifecycle, including design concept, engineering validation, and production release through PPAP (Production Part Approval Process). Exhaust manifold sub-components may include seals, fasteners, spacers, etc…

Key Responsibilities:
Design & Development:
Lead the design of exhaust manifold components, ensuring alignment with vehicle and powertrain requirements.

Develop and refine concepts for exhaust manifold components, based on functional, safety, and performance requirements.

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

Collaborate with other engineering teams to integrate exhaust manifold components into the overall powertrain architecture.

Release & Program Management:
Manage design release activities from early concept through production, including the timely completion of B-Sample, C-Sample, X0, X1, X2, and X3 milestones.

Own the Bill of Materials (BOM) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) for powertrain exhaust manifold components.

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

Drive the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for powertrain exhaust manifold 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 and support during the development and production stages to resolve design issues, material selection challenges, 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 powertrain exhaust manifold components.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with suppliers to ensure design feasibility, cost competitiveness, and manufacturability of powertrain exhaust manifold components.

Collaborate with validation teams to define and implement validation testing, ensuring powertrain exhaust manifold components meet functional and performance metrics.

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

Documentation & Reporting:
Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including design specifications, drawings, 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.

Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree field

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working with powertrain structural components, specifically exhaust manifolds, engine blocks, and cylinder heads

Understanding of engine structural components and related manufacturing processes, specifically steel and aluminum casting and machining processes.

Understanding of product development documentation such as, DFMEA and DVP&R

Understanding of Mechanics of Materials, Sealing systems, CAE Analysis, and GD&T

Experience in selecting materials and manufacturing methods for structural and sealing 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/experience

Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering from ABET accredited school or equivalent

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

8+ years of relevant experience working with design and manufacturing of powertrain structural components, specifically exhaust manifolds, engine blocks, and cylinder heads

Our Benefits — Designed with You in Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage

From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage — ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected.

Generous Paid Time Off

We believe in work-life balance. That's why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut-down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans

We help you plan for the future with:
An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch-Up plans

An employer contribution, even if you don't contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options

Benefit from included and optional disability, life, and other insurance programs — because your peace of mind matters.

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Eligible employees and their immediate families can enjoy company vehicle lease options with included insurance, maintenance, and unlimited mileage. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Family Building Benefit

We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back

We believe in investing in your future and your passions:
Tuition reimbursement

Student loan refinancing programs

18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more

When you join us, you're not just building a career — you're joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.