Design Release Engineer-Soft Trim

Role Overview

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

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of high-quality soft interior trim components delivering on luxury, tactile feel, craftsmanship, safety, ergonomics, and long-term durability
• Lead or support the engineering, packaging, release, and launch of soft trim components including wrapped panels, seat surrounds, soft-touch IP skins, armrests, and textile-based liners
• Translate interior design and CMF intent into production-feasible, manufacturable soft trim constructions that maintain design fidelity through tooling and process variation
• Define and manage material and construction specifications including substrate, foam, skin, and adhesive systems; oversee layered construction feasibility
• Manage component-level DFMEA, DVPR, boundary diagrams, and robustness checklists through design and release milestones
• Work cross-functionally with CMF, design, vehicle engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams to maintain craftsmanship intent and timing
• Collaborate closely with soft trim suppliers to ensure process capability, grain and texture consistency, cost targets, and on-time delivery
• Support durability and environmental testing validation including UV resistance, thermal cycling, abrasion, and seam strength
• Perform and support DFM assessments for slush molding, vacuum forming, sewing and bonding operations, and related soft trim processes
• Support prototype builds, buck reviews, and resolution of surface, seam, and texture quality findings
• Apply and continuously improve engineering tools, methods, and best practices to support accelerated product development

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years' experience in automotive soft interior trim engineering (wrapped panels, soft IP, door armrests, textile liners, etc.)
• Strong understanding of soft trim material systems, manufacturing processes (slush molding, vacuum forming, sewing, lamination), and DFM principles
• Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools for surface definition and packaging
• Experience supporting vehicle or product launches, including supplier readiness and pre-production build support
• Familiarity with DFMEA, DVPR, and soft trim 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 soft trim construction methods including grain tooling, hide matching, sewing patterns, and foam tuning for tactile performance
• Understanding of material aging, light fastness, and chemical resistance requirements per OEM specifications
• Experience with CMF alignment process including grain sampling, color approval, and texture sign-off
• Knowledge of airbag deployment zones and seamless airbag door integration within soft trim assemblies
• Hands-on, practical engineering mindset with strong attention to surface quality and material behavior
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across design studios, CMF teams, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers
• Passion for craftsmanship and premium interior material execution

Salary Range: $120,000-$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