Design Release Engineer

Role Overview

You will be a key contributor within a world-class automotive interior trim engineering team, responsible for the development and delivery of hard interior trim components. This role focuses on mechanical engineering, detail design, packaging, and launch execution, working closely with design, vehicle engineering, and supplier partners to deliver premium interior solutions from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of high-quality hard interior trim components delivering on luxury, craftsmanship, performance, safety, ergonomics, and functionality
• Lead or support the engineering, packaging, release, and launch of hard trim components including instrument panels, door trims, consoles, pillars, headliners, and load floors across the vehicle portfolio
• Translate interior design intent into production-feasible, manufacturable hard trim solutions with attention to surface quality, class A feasibility, and fit and finish
• Manage component-level DFMEA, DVPR, boundary diagrams, and robustness checklists through design and release milestones
• Work cross-functionally with design, vehicle engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams, prioritizing overall vehicle performance and timing
• Collaborate closely with interior trim suppliers to ensure technical excellence, tooling readiness, cost targets, and on-time program delivery
• Define and own GD&T datum and locating strategy for hard trim assemblies; perform tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure dimensional compliance
• Perform and support DFM assessments, tool feasibility reviews, and first article inspection (FAI) evaluation
• Support prototype builds, buck reviews, and closed-loop resolution of dimensional and quality findings
• Apply and continuously improve engineering tools, methods, and best practices to support accelerated product development

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years' experience in automotive hard interior trim engineering (IP, door trims, consoles, pillars, headliners, load floors, etc.)
• Strong understanding of plastic part design, injection molding processes, and DFM principles
• Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools; working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis methods
• Experience supporting vehicle or product launches, including supplier tooling sign-off and manufacturing readiness
• Familiarity with DFMEA, DVPR, and quality documentation processes

Nice to Have / Advantageous

• Ownership of at least one full program lifecycle from concept through SOP
• Experience in a fast-paced OEM or startup EV environment
• Deep knowledge of injection molded plastic structures, including two-shot molding, foaming processes, and Class A surface development
• Understanding of craftsmanship standards, fit and finish targets, and homologation/safety requirements for hard trim assemblies
• Competency in materials selection for structural and aesthetic hard trim substrates
• Experience with supplier tooling reviews, including steel safe conditions, draft analysis, and mold flow interpretation
• Hands-on, practical engineering mindset with strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to align across design, manufacturing, and supply chain stakeholders
• Passion for developing exceptional automotive interiors

Salary:

• $120,00-$140,000/K
• 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