Powertrain Design Release Engineer -Sr.

Job Title:

Senior Design Release Engineer Job Description The Senior Design Release Engineer leads design and release engineering activities for internal combustion engine components and systems, with a strong focus on powertrain subsystems such as base engine, exhaust/after-treatment, turbochargers and air induction, thermal systems, and fuel, ignition, and evaporative emissions systems. This role owns the full design release process, from concept and validation planning through supplier coordination, change management, and launch support, ensuring that all designs meet performance, quality, cost, emissions, and timing targets. Responsibilities Perform design and release engineering activities at both component and system level for internal combustion engine and powertrain subsystems. Own the engine subsystem design release process using OEM PLM systems (such as Teamcenter), ensuring accurate and timely release of all design data. Follow the Design Change Checklist for each part to determine required design validation (DV) and production validation (PV) testing. Develop and maintain DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) for engine systems and components. Execute CAD and CAE updates as required to support design changes, optimization, and issue resolution. Create, approve, and maintain drawings, bills of material (BOMs), part numbers, and configuration content for assigned components and subsystems. Support and maintain the engine BOM, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and proper configuration control across programs. Perform WERS release activities and actively participate in change control processes. Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), ensuring that all changes are properly documented, reviewed, and implemented. Evaluate and communicate the impact of design changes on cost, quality, emissions, and program timing. Create and maintain detailed development work plans that align with overall program timing and milestones. Lead validation activities for assigned engine subsystems, including planning, coordination, and review of test results. Lead APQP activities for engine subsystems, including DFMEA, PFMEA, SCAAFS, control plans, and related deliverables. Support DV and PV testing, including durability, thermal, NVH, performance, and emissions testing, and ensure that test plans align with DVP&R requirements. Coordinate prototype, mule, and pre-production engine builds, ensuring that parts, designs, and documentation are ready to support build events. Support PPAP readiness and launch activities, ensuring that supplier and internal deliverables are complete and meet requirements. Manage new supplier interactions for assigned components and subsystems, in collaboration with the STA (Supplier Technical Assistance) team, to ensure technical alignment and quality. Move multiple parts across various engine platforms to alternative suppliers while maintaining design intent, quality, and timing. Ensure that supplier designs and deliverables meet OEM expectations, standards, and technical requirements. Ensure quality, compliance, and risk management are embedded in all design and release activities, and proactively identify and mitigate technical risks. Essential Skills Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or a related engineering field. 7+ years of internal combustion engine development experience. Prior experience in design release or technical leadership roles for engine or powertrain systems. Strong knowledge of engine systems, including base engine, exhaust/after-treatment, turbochargers and air induction, thermal systems, and fuel, ignition, and evaporative emissions systems. Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes relevant to engine and powertrain components. Proficiency with CAD tools, specifically CATIA. Proficiency with PLM tools, such as Teamcenter. Hands-on experience with design release processes and tools within an OEM environment. Experience with WERS release activities and related design and quality reviews. Demonstrated experience with APQP, including DFMEA, PFMEA, SCAAFS, control plans, and product launch support. Experience with PPAP processes and requirements. Experience developing and managing DVP&R for complex systems and components. Ability to ensure supplier designs meet OEM technical expectations and program requirements. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, supplier, and launch teams. OEM (Ford) experience in engine or powertrain design and release. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with internal combustion engine development in both component and system-level roles. Experience in managing multiple parts across various engine platforms and coordinating transitions to alternative suppliers. Familiarity with change management processes, including Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs). Experience supporting durability, thermal, NVH, performance, and emissions testing for engine systems. Ability to create and maintain detailed engineering work plans aligned with program timing. Experience coordinating prototype, mule, and pre-production engine builds. Demonstrated ability to evaluate and communicate design change impacts on cost, quality, emissions, and timing. Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to documentation and configuration management. Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and supplier-facing roles, including collaboration with STA and launch teams. Work Environment This role operates in a professional engineering environment that combines office-based design and analysis work with close collaboration with testing, prototype, and manufacturing teams. You will work extensively with CAD and PLM systems, including CATIA and Teamcenter, and interact frequently with cross-functional groups involved in quality, validation, supplier development, and launch. The position involves managing detailed engineering documentation, participating in design and quality reviews, and supporting engine builds and testing activities. Work hours typically follow standard business schedules, with flexibility required at times to support critical program milestones, build events, and launch activities. The environment emphasizes structured processes such as APQP, PPAP, DVP&R, and formal change control, and encourages collaboration, technical rigor, and continuous improvement. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $52.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Dearborn,MI.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.