Exterior Trim Design Release Engineer

Long Beach · Irvine · Full-time · Remote · Posted Oct 20, 2026

At a glance

The Exterior Trim DRE will own the engineering development and release of exterior trim components for new vehicle programs, from concept through production launch.
The role coordinates design, manufacturing, supplier, quality, validation, and vehicle-integration activities to deliver parts that meet functional, appearance, durability, cost, and timing targets.

Develop and release exterior trim components, including A-surface parts, from concept selection through design maturation and production launch.
Define component requirements, interfaces, packaging, attachment strategy, and design direction in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Lead design reviews and supplier discussions; resolve issues affecting geometry, appearance, fit, function, cost, and timing.
Prepare and review engineering deliverables, including drawings, models, specifications, engineering change documentation, and design-release data.
Lead tooling kick-off and follow tooling progress through design reviews, tool trials, part inspections, and corrective actions.
Plan and coordinate component testing, verification, and validation; track results and drive resolution of test failures.
Develop and maintain DFMEAs, identify design risks, and ensure mitigations are reflected in the product definition and validation plan.
Support build events, manufacturing readiness, issue resolution, and launch activities.
Manage interfaces with adjacent systems, such as body structure, lighting, sealing, closures, and other exterior components.

Experience engineering and releasing automotive exterior trim parts, including A-surface components.
Experience taking parts from concept and design maturation through tooling, testing, verification, and launch.
Working knowledge of 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX) for product definition, release, and lifecycle-data management.
Experience developing or maintaining DFMEAs and managing design risk.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and product requirements.
Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills.

Knowledge of exterior materials and processes, such as injection molding, extrusion, compression molding, painting, plating, and substrate/finish interactions.
Understanding of appearance requirements, Class-A surface interfaces, grain and gloss, color matching, and cosmetic quality.
Experience with tolerance stack-up, fit-and-finish, gap-and-flush, water management, corrosion, and environmental durability.
Familiarity with supplier tooling, design-for-manufacturing, part inspection, and corrective-action processes.
Experience with change management, build issue tracking, and production readiness.