Design Release Engineer

Job Title: Design release Engineer (Door Trims & Console)

Location: Auburn Hills, MI

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.
• Oversee the development and refinement cockpit components such as door trims and center consoles.
• Lead the end-to-end design and release of door trim and center console assemblies, subcomponents, and functional modules (console body, rails, armrests, lid hinges, appliqués, rubber mats, storage bins, ambient lighting, cupholders, cut & sew applications for bolsters and upper trims, map pockets, mirror sails, window garnish etc.).
• Own 2D/3D data, BOMs, piece numbers, and engineering documentation within Stellantis systems.
• Develop and maintain functional specifications and design requirements for console systems including ergonomics, usability, and craftsmanship.
• Collaborate with studio, packaging, CAE, ergonomics, electrical architecture, HMI, HVAC, and manufacturing to ensure robust integration and feasibility.
• Support integration of console-mounted electronic features (USB ports, wireless chargers, lighting modules, switch banks, PRNDL/shifter modules).
• Drive supplier engagement including design reviews, DFMEAs, tooling feasibility, APQP tracking, and timing deliverables.
• Develop and execute DVP&R test plans for console and/or door trim structural durability, abuse, environmental, vibration, squeak & rattle, usability, and electrical integration.
• Support all prototype and production builds (Mule, VP, PPAP, Launch) and resolve issues quickly through structured root cause methods.
• Utilize formal quality tools such as root cause analysis, KT, 5-Why, Red X to investigate and eliminate console performance or assembly issues.
• Travel regularly to plants and suppliers to support builds, validate manufacturability, and lead on-site troubleshooting.
• Evaluate materials and manufacturing processes (injection molding, soft-touch skins, foam-over-film, insert molding, overmold, paint, hydrographics, chrome, texture & grain selection).
• Identify and execute cost reduction and value optimization opportunities to enhance quality or reduce piece cost without sacrificing functionality or craftsmanship.
• Benchmark competitive console and door trim designs and contribute to innovation and future cockpit experience features.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 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.