Core Technical Engineer – Craftsmanship & AAR Specialist

We are seeking a highly skilled Interior Craftsmanship Specialist responsible for scheduling, reviewing, and monitoring suppliers for appearance PPAP approval of their production parts while ensuring overall interior harmony/quality. Working directly with vendors and suppliers’ interior parts of various materials, including painted trim, soft trim (fabrics, vinyl, leather), hard trim (plastics), carpeting, and seating. Also includes limited exterior component assessments. Tasks include the following:

• Overseeing the entire AAR appearance part process, from tooling to OEM installation

• Leading supplier execution and PPAP approval for interior appearance components

• Ensuring consistency in interior harmony, quality, and color precision across various programs

• Provide expert guidance on MIC tooling, draft analysis, as well as color and finish implementation

• Collaboration cross-functionally with PDO, ACM, DREs, and Supplier Operations to uphold Design Execution standards

Basic Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in relevant technical discipline or equivalent industry experience

• Minimum 8 years of automotive experience.

• Must meet the requirements for Color Blindness & Color Vision Skill Test (HVC Color Test)

• Must excel in a team environment, including shared team responsibilities.

• Must exhibit strong oral and written communication skills, strong problem-solving skills, and strong planning skills.

• Must be able to work independently.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal (soft people) skills.

• Ability to summarize and present work to cross functional teams as well as senior management.

• Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Office applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic to intermediate level of tooling/mold design and common processes

• Knowledge of part mark ups for surface approval and texture orientation/mapping, experience a plus.

• Some experience/hands-on with interior color and quality reviews for variety of interior components including plastic, paint, fabric, vinyl, leather, etc. Also, Exterior plastic mold-in-color.

• Possess ability and confidence to perform and review, approve, or reject part submission and give feedback with direction.

• Working knowledge of automotive component suppliers, Appearance Technical Approval Report (ATAR) process, and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).

• Familiarity with current automotive acronyms, language, and technical jargon