Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Lighting Systems

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company that provides solutions for engineering, technology, and product development projects. For decades, we’ve been helping our clients develop products that are changing the world, whether that’s by shaping the future of space exploration, saving lives with medical devices that set a new standard of care, or creating the fully autonomous electric taxi of tomorrow. Our team of more than 600 people works across industries including aerospace, medical devices and life sciences, unmanned systems and robotics, automotive OEM and tier 1 suppliers, commercial vehicle, electric vehicles, rail, and more. Our offices across the US have different industry focuses and engage with our clients in different ways, ranging from working on-site at client facilities to performing product development at our delivery centers.

ALTEN Group, our parent company, has been a leader in engineering and information technology for more than 30 years. ALTEN Group operates in 30 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and employs more than 36,000 people, 88% of whom are engineers. The company covers the whole development cycle and offers a choice of service levels, from technology consulting to complete project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you join a group of people passionate about collaborating to solve some of the world’s most technical engineering challenges. Our success is tied to taking care of our employees by building relationships and providing opportunities for mentorship and career growth. We offer comprehensive benefits for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; paid time off (PTO); paid parental leave; and mentorship to help you take your career to the next level. You don’t have to take our word for it that we are a great place to work—we were named on the 2023 Top Workplaces list thanks to feedback from our proud employees.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Design Release Engineer (DRE) to support automotive lighting programs. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading the end-to-end release and integration of lighting components, ensuring alignment with program timelines, cost, quality, and performance targets. This role requires a strong foundation in automotive product development, with an emphasis on lighting systems, including Smart Lighting Modules and embedded lighting controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design release activities for lighting components across the full product lifecycle.
• Develop and manage component requirements, specifications, and validation plans.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (design, validation, purchasing, manufacturing, and suppliers).
• Interface with suppliers to ensure technical compliance, timing, and deliverables.
• Manage engineering changes, issue resolution, and risk mitigation.
• Support vehicle integration, build events, and launch activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and quality processes.
• Track and report program status, including timelines, deliverables, and risks.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in automotive product development.
• Experience in Design Release Engineering (DRE) or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of vehicle development lifecycle and release processes.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional global teams.
• Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive lighting systems, body electronics, or embedded modules.
• Familiarity with vehicle integration, validation, and launch processes.
• Knowledge of DFMEA, DV/PV, and engineering change management processes.
• Exposure to CAN/LIN communication systems is a plus.

Specialized Skills – Lighting Systems

• Experience in developing or supporting:
• Smart Lighting Modules
• LED driver modules
• BCM-controlled lighting
• Ambient or architectural lighting systems
• Hands-on knowledge of LED control concepts, including:
• PWM dimming
• Current regulation
• Thermal management and derating
• RGB/RGBW color mixing
• Lighting animations and effects
• Understanding of embedded control systems in automotive applications.

Key Competencies

• Ownership and accountability
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Strong organizational and program management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, global environment

ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

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