Design Release Engineer - HVAC

Location: Farmington Hills, MI
Salary: $95,000.00 USD Annually - $105,000.00 USD Annually
Description:
HVAC Design Release Engineer (DRE)

Start Date: January 2026 (Interviews starting ASAP)
Location: Farmington Hills, MI
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Salary: $95,000-$100,000
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced HVAC Design Release Engineer (DRE) to lead engineering activities for automotive HVAC and thermal systems. In this role, you will manage the entire product lifecycle-from design and release to validation and launch-while collaborating with OEM partners such as Ford and GM, internal teams, and suppliers.

You will ensure successful delivery of HVAC components, refrigerant loop systems, and thermal products across multiple programs.
Responsibilities

• Own engineering responsibility for assigned HVAC or thermal system components.
• Develop and review engineering drawings and CAD data (CATIA, NX).
• Coordinate design development with OEM engineering teams (Ford or GM).
• Perform DFMEA, DVP&R, BOM management, value analysis, and issue tracking.
• Monitor project timing to meet quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Prepare technical reports, schedules, documentation, and change requests.
• Support manufacturing with process improvements and launch readiness.
• Collaborate with suppliers on tooling, validation, and release requirements.
• Review designs for patentability and generate supporting documentation.
• Lead or support testing instrumentation, fixtures, and evaluation equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering + 5-10 years of HVAC or automotive design & release experience
  • OR Master's degree with 3+ years of experience
• Minimum 2 years tenure per previous employer
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Plastic injection molding
  • Vehicle architecture & thermodynamics
  • HVAC refrigerant loops
• CAD proficiency: CATIA or NX
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, PPAP (GM), validation planning, BOM management
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple programs in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with e-compressors, chillers, or EV HVAC components
• Prior HVAC DRE experience at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier
• Exposure to launch support, tooling, issue resolution, and supplier management

Ford Program Experience (Preferred)

• Tools: WERS, AVBOM, FSMS, AIMS, eFDVS, VSEM, Teamcenter
• Knowledge of Ford release processes, timing gates, part numbering, and drawing standards

GM Program Experience (Preferred)

• Tools: GPDS, Teamcenter, eBoM, GQTS, DRE Portal, PRTS
• Familiarity with GM's GVDP development process, PPAP, Run@Rate, and validation milestones

Soft Skills

• Strong ownership and accountability
• Excellent proactive communication
• Ability to collaborate across cultures and functions
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation discipline

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Contact:

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