Design Release Engineer – Ambient Lighting, Switches Engineer

Role Overview

You will be a key contributor within a world-class automotive interior electronics and systems engineering team, responsible for the development and delivery of ambient lighting and switch system components. This role combines mechanical packaging, electrical systems integration, and supplier execution, working closely with design, electrical architecture, vehicle engineering, and HMI teams to deliver premium, functional, and safe interior lighting and switch solutions from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or support the engineering, packaging, release, and launch of ambient lighting systems and interior switch assemblies including door switches, overhead consoles, center stack controls, and indirect lighting zones
• Translate interior design and lighting design intent into production-feasible, optically correct, and electrically compliant solutions
• Define and manage component packaging envelopes, light pipe routing, diffuser geometry, and switch mechanism integration within trim assemblies
• Collaborate with electrical architecture and body electronics teams to align on LIN/CAN network requirements, dimming protocols, and software-controlled lighting zones
• Manage component-level DFMEA, DVPR, SCCAF, boundary diagrams, and robustness checklists through design and release milestones
• Ensure compliance with FMVSS and homologation requirements for interior lighting visibility, switch labeling, and illumination levels
• Work cross-functionally with HMI/UX, design, CMF, electrical integration, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams
• Collaborate with lighting and switch suppliers to ensure optical performance, EMC compliance, thermal management, and cost and timing targets
• Support optical and photometric testing including luminance uniformity, color consistency, and intensity calibration across operating temperatures
• Perform and support DFM assessments for light pipe molding, LED integration, and switch mechanism assembly
• Support prototype builds and resolution of optical, functional, and integration quality findings
• Apply and continuously improve engineering tools, methods, and best practices to support accelerated product development

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years’ experience in automotive interior lighting, HMI, or switch system engineering
• Understanding of automotive lighting design principles including light pipe optics, LED integration, diffuser design, and luminance uniformity
• Familiarity with automotive electrical architecture, LIN/CAN bus communication, and ECU interface requirements for lighting and switch systems
• Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools for packaging and component integration
• Experience supporting vehicle or product launches, including supplier readiness and pre-production build support
• Familiarity with DFMEA, DVPR, SCCAF, and quality documentation processes

Nice to Have / Advantageous

• Ownership of at least one full ambient lighting or switch program lifecycle from concept through SOP
• Experience in a fast-paced OEM or startup EV environment where lighting is a key brand differentiator
• Deep knowledge of ambient lighting system architecture including zone controllers, master/slave LED modules, and software-driven color/intensity mapping
• Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g. LightTools, SPEOS, TracePro) for light pipe and diffuser design validation
• Understanding of EMC requirements and thermal derating for LED assemblies in enclosed trim environments
• Knowledge of haptic feedback switch systems, capacitive touch integration, and illuminated switch lens design
• Familiarity with photometric standards and OEM-specific luminance and color temperature requirements
• Hands-on, practical engineering mindset with strong attention to optical performance and systems integration
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across design, electrical, software, and supply chain teams
• Passion for creating premium, emotionally engaging interior lighting and control experiences

Salary Range:

• $120,000-$135,000
• The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience