Design Release Engineer - Interior Door Trim and Center Console

Role details

The Design Release Engineer - Door Trim and Center Console will:

• Interface with Vehicle Engineering, suppliers, Purchasing, Quality and Assembly Plants
• Manage product performance to meet functional, cost, weight, and investment targets
• Oversee product release and change management processes
• Direct packaging in vehicle environment
• Support AQP, PSO, product launch and ongoing maintenance of carryover product
• Be responsible for design, design practices, lessons learned, DFMEAs, DVP&R, and oversee release of designated components

Requirements:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive interiors, floor consoles, cockpit systems, or complex plastic assemblies
• Familiarity with CAD tools — NX preferred, CATIA acceptable — for packaging, design reviews, and feasibility analysis
• Demonstrated experience with quality tools (root cause analysis, KT, 5-Why, Red X)
• Strong understanding of injection molding, DFM/A, materials, tolerances, GD&T, and craftsmanship fundamentals
• Experience developing and executing DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP, and PPAP deliverables
• Ability to travel regularly to plants and suppliers for root cause investigations and build support
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in a cross-functional and global engineering environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with integrated electronics such as wireless chargers, docks, USB hubs, LED ambient lighting, and console-mounted controls
• Knowledge of console-mounted HVAC interfaces, shifter systems, storage mechanisms, dampers, latches, magnets, and soft-open/soft-close features
• Experience working with multi-material console systems (PP, PC/ABS, TPO skins, PU foam, rubber mats, decorative trims)
• Exposure to NVH development, squeak & rattle standards, and vehicle-level validation
• Hands-on experience supporting launch at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier
• Experience leading cost reduction/value engineering initiatives