Overview:
The Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) Signature is responsible for the design, development, validation, and production release of exterior and/or interior signature composite parts. This role owns component performance, quality, cost, timing, and compliance from concept through launch, working cross-functionally with design, CAE, manufacturing, suppliers, and quality teams.
Office and engineering lab environment with periodic travel to suppliers and manufacturing plants as required.
Responsibilities:
- Design & Engineering Ownership
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Serve as the Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) for assigned composite components (e.g., fascia, trim, spoilers, panels, covers, structural or semi-structural parts).
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Own component requirements, specifications, and DFMEA.
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Lead component design from concept, feasibility, and CAD release through production launch.
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Ensure designs meet functional, aesthetic, durability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
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Materials & Manufacturing
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Select and validate composite materials (e.g., CFRP, GFRP, SMC, BMC, thermoplastics).
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Develop parts considering manufacturability, tooling, tolerances, and assembly interfaces.
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Collaborate with manufacturing engineering on process selection (compression molding, RTM, injection, autoclave, etc.).
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Supplier & Program Management
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Work directly with Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers on design, cost, tooling, and timing.
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Support RFQs, technical reviews, and sourcing decisions.
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Track and deliver parts to program milestones (DV, PV, PPAP, SOP).
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Validation & Quality
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Define and execute DV/PV test plans for composite components.
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Support build events, fit & finish reviews, and issue resolution.
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Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality or durability issues.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Interface with Design Studio, CAE, Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Program Management.
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Communicate technical status, risks, and trade-offs clearly to stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field.
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Strong understanding of composite materials, part design, and manufacturing processes.
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Proficiency with CAD tools (CATIA, NX, or equivalent).
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Knowledge of DFMEA, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and validation processes.
Essential skills:
- Strong technical ownership and accountability
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Problem-solving and root-cause analysis
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Cross-functional communication
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Supplier technical leadership
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Attention to detail with a system-level mindset
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Familiarity with cost modeling and lightweighting strategies.
Experience:
- Experience in automotive or aerospace composite component development (level may vary).
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Experience as a DRE or component owner in a product development environment.
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Experience with Class-A or signature/exterior components.
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Experience in EV or advanced mobility platforms.
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Launch experience through production (SOP).
Benefits:
- Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges
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We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects
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Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses
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Competitive company benefits
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Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to:-
Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
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Communicating and promoting vacancies
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Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job
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Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required
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Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people
“We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age”.
We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive
