Design Release Engineer – Cylinder Head

Job Description: Assist Team in Cylinder Head design for future production engine programs. Assist with Design, performance, flow and characterization for performance internal combustion engines. lead the design, development, and technical guidance for the PPAP and production release of Cylinder head, Valve train & assembly components. Support the design, development, production release and PPAP of the Cylinder Head. Provide technical guidance to 3D design team to complete 3D models and 2D drawings of all components.

This position requires strong technical expertise in cylinder head design, manufacturing processes, engineering analysis, and OEM product development requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cylinder Head Design & Development

• Lead cylinder head design from concept through production release.
• Develop aluminum and cast-iron cylinder head designs.
• Optimize combustion chambers, intake and exhaust ports, cooling jackets, and oil passages.
• Design and integrate valve guides, valve seats, camshaft supports, and related components.
• Ensure cylinder head compatibility with engine block, valvetrain, intake, exhaust, and cooling systems.

2. Engineering Release Responsibilities

• Own cylinder head engineering design and release activities.
• Develop and maintain 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings.
• Manage engineering changes, revisions, and production releases.
• Maintain engineering BOMs and component specifications.

3. Design Analysis & Validation

• Evaluate cylinder head durability, thermal expansion, and sealing performance.
• Review CAE results and implement design improvements.

4. Manufacturing & Supplier Support

• Work with casting suppliers, machining operations, and assembly facilities.
• Evaluate casting feasibility, machining processes, and manufacturing tolerances.
• Support Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
• Resolve casting defects, porosity, machining concerns, and dimensional issues.
• Support prototype builds, production launches, and supplier technical reviews.

5. Quality & Problem Resolution

• Lead root cause investigations involving cylinder head failures.
• Evaluate cracking, coolant leaks, oil leaks, valve seat movement, and gasket sealing concerns.
• Support all PPAP Requirement DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R, and corrective action activities.
• Review inspection results, dimensional reports, and quality documentation.

6. Program Management & OEM Coordination

• Manage design milestones, engineering deliverables, and release timing.
• Participate in design reviews and technical program meetings.
• Support prototype, preproduction, and production development phases.
• Communicate engineering risks, corrective actions, and program status.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of automotive engine component design or development experience.
• Direct experience with cylinder head design and engineering release preferred.
• Proficiency with Siemens NX, CATIA, Creo, or equivalent CAD software.
• Understanding of cylinder head casting, machining, and assembly processes.
• Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of OEM engineering release and change management processes.
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP, and root cause analysis.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.