Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Automotive Alternators

The Design Release Engineer (DRE) will be responsible for the technical development, design integration, validation, and release of automotive alternators and related 12V electrical components.

Direct, hands-on experience in automotive alternator development is mandatory. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of alternator systems, including mechanical design, electrical performance, voltage regulation, charging systems, and vehicle integration.

The engineer will work closely with cross-functional, global engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to ensure component performance, product quality, reliability, and compliance with automotive requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.

Technical Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum of five years of experience in automotive component development.

Mandatory: Direct hands-on experience in automotive alternator design, development, validation, or design release. Candidates without alternator experience will not be considered.

Strong understanding of alternator design, functionality, electrical generation, voltage regulation, and vehicle charging systems.

Experience with 12V Battery Starter Generators (BSG) or related automotive electrical components is an added advantage.

Knowledge of alternator components, including rotor, stator, rectifier, voltage regulator, bearings, housing, and mounting interfaces.

Experience in mechanical and electrical integration of alternators into vehicle systems.

Solid understanding of automotive electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and vehicle packaging constraints.

Experience in component validation, verification, supplier management, and production release.

Strong experience in root cause analysis, failure investigation, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

Familiarity with automotive quality tools, continuous improvement methodologies, and customer claim management.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and technical documentation.

Technical Skills and Responsibilities

Lead the development and release of automotive alternators and related 12V electrical components in accordance with vehicle program requirements.

Apply in-depth knowledge of alternator design, functionality, and individual component performance.

Review and validate component designs, technical drawings, specifications, and engineering changes.

Ensure compliance with automotive environmental, mechanical, electrical, thermal, vibration, durability, and reliability requirements.

Support alternator integration within the vehicle electrical architecture, including packaging, mounting, belt-drive interfaces, and electrical connections.

Apply EMC fundamentals, DFMEA, and engineering best practices throughout the component development lifecycle.

Coordinate with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams to resolve design, integration, and validation issues.

Support component testing, validation activities, issue resolution, and production launch readiness.

Lead technical discussions and drive engineering issues to resolution, ensuring timely completion of program milestones.

Quality, Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement

Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for alternator failures, component malfunctions, production issues, and customer complaints.

Investigate electrical, mechanical, thermal, vibration, and durability-related failures using structured problem-solving methodologies.

Identify failure modes, determine underlying causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Drive resolution of recurring field issues and customer claims in collaboration with suppliers and internal engineering teams.

Analyze validation results, warranty data, and field performance trends to identify improvement opportunities.

Verify the effectiveness of corrective actions and ensure issues do not recur.

Ensure compliance with established quality targets, engineering specifications, and automotive standards.

Support supplier quality improvement initiatives and technical reviews.

Behavioral and Leadership Requirements

Ability to collaborate effectively with global engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams.

Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to present technical topics to senior leadership.

Excellent interpersonal, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Demonstrated ability to manage conflicts, coordinate stakeholders, and drive technical issues to closure.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver engineering milestones in line with program timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience as an Automotive Alternator Design Release Engineer (DRE) or in direct alternator component development.

Experience with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 automotive suppliers.

Strong knowledge of 12V charging systems, voltage regulators, and alternator performance requirements.

Experience supporting supplier technical reviews, vehicle integration, production launches, and field issue resolution.

Hands-on experience with structured root cause analysis methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and related problem-solving tools.

Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.