Mechanical Design Release Engineer

CDM Technology

Carlsbad, CA, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Technology

Full Time

Job Description

Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) — Electrical Systems

Department: Electrical Systems

Reports to: Director, Electrical Systems · Employment Type: Full-time/On-site

Role Overview

Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) manages the design, release, and lifecycle of electrical/electro-mechanical modules and Off-The-Shelf (OTS) components. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment, where no job is too small, and where leadership means owning the details — from CAD and BOM accuracy to strategic design decisions and supplier execution.

They will package circuit boards, integrate internal harnessing (LV/HV), drive enclosure tooling, manage change processes, support hands-on prototype builds, and deliver to program milestones. They are both a technical expert and a practical problem-solver who jumps in wherever needed to ensure successful execution.

Key Responsibilities

Product Ownership & Release

Serve as the technical lead and single point of accountability for assigned modules, from concept through SOP and sustaining.

Manage detailed part-level execution while always considering system-level impact

Own complete product definition including CAD, engineering requirements, drawings, GD&T, materials and sealing strategy

Support prototype and pilot builds hands-on, resolving issues at the bench or on the line as needed.

Prepare and release assembly documentation for box build assemblies (BBA)

PCB & Module Packaging

Lead packaging of PCBs into enclosures, including connector layouts, stack-ups, thermal management, sealing, and EMC control.

Own selection, qualification, and integration of off-the-shelf components (connectors, vents, fasteners, displays, grommets, thermal parts).

Perform DMU/clash analysis and ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and robustness.

Harnessing Inside Enclosures or Box Builds (LV & HV)

Design and integrate internal harnessing for both low-voltage and high-voltage systems within enclosures or BBAs

Establish routing paths that meet electrical safety, mechanical constraints, bend radius, creepage/clearance, thermal considerations, and EMC requirements.

Specify fixation methods (clips, cable channels, strain-relief points, clamps, grommet routing, tie-downs).

Validate harness integration through:

Fit checks and tolerance simulations

Vibration/robustness assessments

Thermal exposure and derating checks

HV safety evaluations

Environmental simulations

Enclosure Design & Tooling

Own enclosure design for injection molding, die casting, sheet metal, machining, and rapid-prototype builds.

Work with a vendor to define tooling strategy (class, gating, parting line, draft, T0/T1/Tn expectations).

Drive DFM/DFA reviews, tooling kickoff, and sample evaluation with suppliers.

Resolve tooling issues quickly, pragmatically, and collaboratively.

CATIA / CAD / PLM

Create and manage high-quality CATIA V6/3DEXPERIENCE models and assemblies.

Produce engineering drawings using GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and perform tolerance stack-ups.

Maintain EBOM configuration in PLM systems with high accuracy and discipline.

BOM Ownership

Own the Engineering BOM end-to-end:

Part number creation and revision control

Alternates and AML/AVL

Effectivity management

Completeness across subassemblies including consumables

Ensure clean alignment between EBOM ↔ MBOM and support service BOM development.

Fix BOM issues at a tactical level if needed — no job too small.

Change Management (ECR/ECO)

Lead creation and implementation of ECR/ECOs, with clear problem statements, justification, impact analysis, and effectivity planning.

Drive cross-functional approvals and ensure traceability to requirements, validation, and supplier inputs.

Streamline ECO cycle time through proactive documentation and planning.

Program & Timeline Management

Own schedules for assigned components, identifying dependencies, risks, and mitigation plans.

Work with and manage contractors for short term projects

Drive progress toward key milestones (Design Freeze, DV, PV, Tooling, PPAP, SOP).

Work closely with suppliers on development, timing, and PPAP readiness.

Step in hands-on to remove blockers in a start-up environment.

Hands-On Prototype Build Support

Work directly with technicians and engineering teams on bench builds, mock-ups, prototype assemblies, and in-vehicle installations.

Assemble PCB modules, install OTS components, test harness routing, fit internal harnesses, torque fasteners, and validate sealing.

Run physical clearance checks, thermal interface installation, vent/gasket placements, and mechanical fastener operations.

Document issues, root causes, and feed detailed learnings quickly back into design, BOM, and ECO processes.

Support rapid iteration in a start-up environment where speed, flexibility, and hands-on problem-solving are essential.

Minimum Qualifications

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

7+ years in DRE/Product Engineering in automotive or adjacent industries.

Deep experience with CATIA and GD&T.

Proven ownership of BOMs and ECOs in PLM systems.

Expertise in PCB packaging, OTS integration, and enclosure design.

Experience designing and routing LV/HV internal harnessing.

Strong cross-functional leadership and the ability to execute hands-on when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with ENOVIA/3DX

Familiarity with APQP/PPAP, DV/PV testing, and automotive environmental standards.

Strong understanding of reliability engineering.

HV safety experience (creep/clearance, insulation, sealing).

Supplier tooling oversight and rapid-iteration prototyping experience.

Start-up experience strongly preferred.

Tools & Systems

CATIA V5/V6/3DX

PLM: 3DEXPERIENCE/ENOVIA

MS Project / Smartsheet / Jira / Confluence

Microsoft 365