Design Release Engineer - Door and Trim Center Console

The Design Release Engineer - Door and Trim 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

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