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.
Work Environment
* Office and engineering lab environment with periodic travel to suppliers and manufacturing plants as required.
Responsibilities
* Design & Engineering Ownership
o Serve as the Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) for assigned composite components (e.g., fascia, trim, spoilers, panels, covers, structural or semi-structural parts).
o Own component requirements, specifications, and DFMEA.
o Lead component design from concept, feasibility, and CAD release through production launch.
o Ensure designs meet functional, aesthetic, durability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
* Materials & Manufacturing
o Select and validate composite materials (e.g., CFRP, GFRP, SMC, BMC, thermoplastics).
o Develop parts considering manufacturability, tooling, tolerances, and assembly interfaces.
o Collaborate with manufacturing engineering on process selection (compression molding, RTM, injection, autoclave, etc.).
* Supplier & Program Management
o Work directly with Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers on design, cost, tooling, and timing.
o Support RFQs, technical reviews, and sourcing decisions.
o Track and deliver parts to program milestones (DV, PV, PPAP, SOP).
* Validation & Quality
o Define and execute DV/PV test plans for composite components.
o Support build events, fit & finish reviews, and issue resolution.
o Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality or durability issues.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration
o Interface with Design Studio, CAE, Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Program Management.
o Communicate technical status, risks, and trade-offs clearly to stakeholders.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field.
* Strong understanding of composite materials, part design, and manufacturing processes.
* Proficiency with CAD tools (CATIA, NX, or equivalent).
* Knowledge of DFMEA, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and validation processes.
Essential skills
* Strong technical ownership and accountability
* Problem-solving and root-cause analysis
* Cross-functional communication
* Supplier technical leadership
* Attention to detail with a system-level mindset
* Familiarity with cost modeling and lightweighting strategies.
Experience
* Experience in automotive or aerospace composite component development (level may vary).
* Experience as a DRE or component owner in a product development environment.
* Experience with Class-A or signature/exterior components.
* Experience in EV or advanced mobility platforms.
* Launch experience through production (SOP).
Benefits
* Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and ourpeers through good times and challenges
* We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects
* ExpleoAcademy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses
* Competitive company benefits
* 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:
o Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
o Communicating and promoting vacancies
o Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job
o Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required
o 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
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