Expert Design & Release Engineer - Body Welding & Joining

Auburn Hills · Troy, MI · 8+ years experience · Full-time · Posted Oct 7, 2026

At a glance

The Design and Release Engineer (DRE) – Body Welding & Joining serves as the technical authority for body welding and joining processes, including resistance spot welding, MIG and laser welding, structural adhesives, flow-drill screws, and self-piercing rivets.
At the expert level, this role sets design standards, leads complex cross-platform and launch issues, and mentors the engineering team while achieving program objectives for cost, timing, weight, and quality.

Act as the technical authority for body welding and joining processes to define the design strategy, standards, and release roadmap across vehicle programs and platforms.
Set the strategy for and govern weld and joint definition 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.
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.
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 and build support using structured problem solving.
Own commodity-level cost, weight, and quality targets, mentor and develop engineers, capture cross-platform lessons learned, and represent the area to senior management.

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Materials or Welding/Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent discipline from an ABET-accredited (or equivalent) program.
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.
Deep expertise in resistance spot, laser, and MIG welding, structural adhesives, mechanical fastening, weld and joining standards, and GD&T.