About this opportunity
CDM Technology lists this Electrical Systems Design Release Engineer opportunity in carlsbad, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) — Electrical Systems
Department: Electrical Systems
Reports to: Director, Electrical Systems · Employment Type: Full-time/On-site
Role Overview
Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) manages the design, release, and lifecycle of electrical/electro-mechanical modules and Off-The-Shelf (OTS) components. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment, where no job is too small, and where leadership means owning the details — from CAD and BOM accuracy to strategic design decisions and supplier execution.
They will package circuit boards, integrate internal harnessing (LV/HV), drive enclosure tooling, manage change processes, support hands-on prototype builds, and deliver to program milestones. They are both a technical expert and a practical problem-solver who jumps in wherever needed to ensure successful execution.
Key Responsibilities
Product Ownership & Release
Serve as the technical lead and single point of accountability for assigned modules, from concept through SOP and sustaining.
Manage detailed part-level execution while always considering system-level impact
Own complete product definition including CAD, engineering requirements, drawings, GD&T, materials and sealing strategy
Support prototype and pilot builds hands-on, resolving issues at the bench or on the line as needed.
Prepare and release assembly documentation for box build assemblies (BBA)
PCB & Module Packaging
Lead packaging of PCBs into enclosures, including connector layouts, stack-ups, thermal management, sealing, and EMC control.
Own selection, qualification, and integration of off-the-shelf components (connectors, vents, fasteners, displays, grommets, thermal parts).
Perform DMU/clash analysis and ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and robustness.
Harnessing Inside Enclosures or Box Builds (LV & HV)
Design and integrate internal harnessing for both low-voltage and high-voltage systems within enclosures or BBAs
Establish routing paths that meet electrical safety, mechanical constraints, bend radius, creepage/clearance, thermal considerations, and EMC requirements.
Specify fixation methods (clips, cable channels, strain-relief points, clamps, grommet routing, tie-downs).
Validate harness integration through:
Fit checks and tolerance simulations
Vibration/robustness assessments
Thermal exposure and derating checks
HV safety evaluations
Environmental simulations
Enclosure Design & Tooling
Own enclosure design for injection molding, die casting, sheet metal, machining, and rapid-prototype builds.
Work with a vendor to define tooling strategy (class, gating, parting line, draft, T0/T1/Tn expectations).
Drive DFM/DFA reviews, tooling kickoff, and sample evaluation with suppliers.
Resolve tooling issues quickly, pragmatically, and collaboratively.
CATIA / CAD / PLM
Create and manage high-quality CATIA V6/3DEXPERIENCE models and assemblies.
Produce engineering drawings using GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and perform tolerance stack-ups.
Maintain EBOM configuration in PLM systems with high accuracy and discipline.
BOM Ownership
Own the Engineering BOM end-to-end:
Part number creation and revision control
Alternates and AML/AVL
Effectivity management
Completeness across subassemblies including consumables
Ensure clean alignment between EBOM ↔ MBOM and support service BOM development.
Fix BOM issues at a tactical level if needed — no job too small.
Change Management (ECR/ECO)
Lead creation and implementation of ECR/ECOs, with clear problem statements, justification, impact analysis, and effectivity planning.
Drive cross-functional approvals and ensure traceability to requirements, validation, and supplier inputs.
Streamline ECO cycle time through proactive documentation and planning.
Program & Timeline Management
Own schedules for assigned components, identifying dependencies, risks, and mitigation plans.
Work with and manage contractors for short term projects
Drive progress toward key milestones (Design Freeze, DV, PV, Tooling, PPAP, SOP).
Work closely with suppliers on development, timing, and PPAP readiness.
Step in hands-on to remove blockers in a start-up environment.
Hands-On Prototype Build Support
Work directly with technicians and engineering teams on bench builds, mock-ups, prototype assemblies, and in-vehicle installations.
Assemble PCB modules, install OTS components, test harness routing, fit internal harnesses, torque fasteners, and validate sealing.
Run physical clearance checks, thermal interface installation, vent/gasket placements, and mechanical fastener operations.
Document issues, root causes, and feed detailed learnings quickly back into design, BOM, and ECO processes.
Support rapid iteration in a start-up environment where speed, flexibility, and hands-on problem-solving are essential.
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
7+ years in DRE/Product Engineering in automotive or adjacent industries.
Deep experience with CATIA and GD&T.
Proven ownership of BOMs and ECOs in PLM systems.
Expertise in PCB packaging, OTS integration, and enclosure design.
Experience designing and routing LV/HV internal harnessing.
Strong cross-functional leadership and the ability to execute hands-on when needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with ENOVIA/3DX
Familiarity with APQP/PPAP, DV/PV testing, and automotive environmental standards.
Strong understanding of reliability engineering.
HV safety experience (creep/clearance, insulation, sealing).
Supplier tooling oversight and rapid-iteration prototyping experience.
Start-up experience strongly preferred.
Tools & Systems
CATIA V5/V6/3DX
PLM: 3DEXPERIENCE/ENOVIA
MS Project / Smartsheet / Jira / Confluence
Microsoft 365
Worksite address
carlsbad, CA, 92002, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.