Design Release Engineer(Soft Trim/Interior)

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the design, development, integration, and release of automotive Soft Trim Interior components, including Soft Trim, Cargo, Carpet, Frunk, and related interior trim components, from concept through production launch.
• Develop and maintain parametric 3D models and engineering designs using NX, ensuring designs meet packaging, functional, dimensional, appearance, and manufacturability requirements.
• Collaborate with design, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and external suppliers to ensure components meet program milestones, cost targets, material requirements, and vehicle functional objectives.
• Work closely with suppliers to develop and release components, review supplier designs, resolve technical issues, and ensure manufacturing feasibility and production readiness.
• Develop and manage CBOM, Quadris, Source Packages, and other technical documentation required for component and subassembly release.
• Lead technical reviews with suppliers and internal client teams and ensure engineering deliverables are completed according to program timing.
• Develop, manage, and track DVP&R, DFMEA, PFMEA, and other engineering validation activities, including coordination of component and vehicle-level physical testing.
• Support vehicle plant launch activities, including troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of assembly issues, build variation, BSR (Buzz, Squeak & Rattle), fit and finish, dimensional variation, and other launch-gating concerns.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions with suppliers and cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing and vehicle integration issues.
• Ensure designs comply with engineering standards, material requirements, vehicle performance targets, quality requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Manage project status, technical risks, timing, and deliverables and communicate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, suppliers, and program leadership.
• Support continuous improvement of interior trim designs, manufacturing processes, quality, cost, and vehicle assembly performance.

Requirements / Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive interior component development, with hands-on experience in Soft Trim, Cargo, Carpet, Frunk, or related interior trim components.
• Direct experience with automotive Soft Trim component development, integration, supplier management, and production release strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in NX for parametric modeling and engineering design.
• Experience with Teamcenter, Vis Pro, or other CAD/PLM systems.
• Strong understanding of automotive interior materials, component construction, attachment methods, manufacturing processes, and supplier manufacturing capabilities.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, packaging, dimensional variation, fit and finish, and component integration.
• Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R, validation testing, and engineering change/release processes.
• Experience supporting vehicle plant launch, assembly troubleshooting, BSR, fit and finish, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions is highly preferred.
• Experience working directly with automotive suppliers and manufacturing/plant teams.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Cargo, Carpet, Frunk, Soft Trim, floor systems, or other interior trim components.
• Experience with automotive vehicle launches and plant support.
• Experience with CBOM, Quadris, Source Packages, and OEM engineering release systems.
• Experience working in a fast-paced automotive product development environment.
• Commercial vehicle experience is a plus.