Design Release Engineer, Body Interior- Hard Trim

- Contribute to the development of high-quality hard interior trim components delivering on luxury, craftsmanship, performance, safety, ergonomics, and functionality

- Lead or support the engineering, packaging, release, and launch of hard trim components including instrument panels, door trims, consoles, pillars, headliners, and load floors across the vehicle portfolio

- Translate interior design intent into production-feasible, manufacturable hard trim solutions with attention to surface quality, class A feasibility, and fit and finish

- Manage component-level DFMEA, DVPR, boundary diagrams, and robustness checklists through design and release milestones

- Work cross-functionally with design, vehicle engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams, prioritizing overall vehicle performance and timing

- Collaborate closely with interior trim suppliers to ensure technical excellence, tooling readiness, cost targets, and on-time program delivery

- Define and own GD&T datum and locating strategy for hard trim assemblies; perform tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure dimensional compliance

- Perform and support DFM assessments, tool feasibility reviews, and first article inspection (FAI) evaluation

- Support prototype builds, buck reviews, and closed-loop resolution of dimensional and quality findings

- Apply and continuously improve engineering tools, methods, and best practices to support accelerated product development

- 4+ years' experience in automotive hard interior trim engineering (IP, door trims, consoles, pillars, headliners, load floors, etc.)

- Strong understanding of plastic part design, injection molding processes, and DFM principles

- Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools; working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis methods

- Experience supporting vehicle or product launches, including supplier tooling sign-off and manufacturing readiness

- Familiarity with DFMEA, DVPR, and quality documentation processes

- Ownership of at least one full program lifecycle from concept through SOP

- Deep knowledge of injection molded plastic structures, including two-shot molding, foaming processes, and Class A surface development

- Understanding of craftsmanship standards, fit and finish targets, and homologation/safety requirements for hard trim assemblies

- Competency in materials selection for structural and aesthetic hard trim substrates

- Experience with supplier tooling reviews, including steel safe conditions, draft analysis, and mold flow interpretation

- Hands-on, practical engineering mindset with strong problem-solving skills

- Excellent communication skills with the ability to align across design, manufacturing, and supply chain stakeholders

- The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience