Design Release Engineer. An automotive engineering project manager who owns a specific component or subsystem. They coordinate between the design studio, tier-one suppliers, testing teams, and assembly plants to ensure their part meets specifications, budget, and packaging constraints.
The DRE for the HVAC module rejected the supplier's plastic housing because it failed the vibration test.
Related terms
Platform
The shared underlying architecture and mechanical components used across multiple vehicle models.
BIW
The structural shell of a vehicle before painting, trim, or subassemblies are added.
Development mule
A development mule is a test vehicle used by automakers to evaluate prototype powertrains or chassis components.
Fit and finish
The overall build quality of a vehicle's exterior panels and interior trim.