Automotive Interior Engineer

PURPOSE

The Interior Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and integration of vehicle interior systems and components. This role ensures that all interior parts meet functional, aesthetic, ergonomic, safety, quality, cost, and regulatory requirements while supporting program timing and manufacturing feasibility for next-generation vehicles.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and develop automotive interior components and systems, including:
• Instrument panels
• Door panels and trim
• Center consoles
• Seating components
• Headliners, pillars, and interior trim
• Translate styling themes and functional requirements into producible engineering designs
• Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, and specifications
• Conduct concept feasibility studies and trade-off analyses
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards and regulations (FMVSS, ECE, OEM-specific)
• Support prototype builds, tooling development, and production launch activities
• Perform DFMEA, tolerance analysis, and validation testing (fit, finish, acoustics, durability, ergonomics)
• Collaborate cross-functionally with:
• Styling and UX teams
• Making and quality teams
• Purchasing and supply chain
• Suppliers and external partners

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in automotive interior component design and development.
• Expertise in interior systems with specialization in one or more of the following: Restraints (airbags, seatbelts), Carpets, soft trim, and insulators
• Proficiency in CAD tools (CATIA V5/V6, NX, or Creo).
• Strong understanding of injection-molded plastics and soft trim materials (e.g., TPO, leather, fabric, foam).
• Solid knowledge of structural and cosmetic design requirements.
• Experience with GD&T and production tolerancing.
• Familiarity with automotive development cycles and product launch processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers and external partners.
• Knowledge of VW systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
• Ability to follow engineering direction and adapt designs to meet safety, regulatory, and performance requirements. Exposure to functional safety concepts (ISO 26262)
• Experience with Volkswagen
• Willingness to travel

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

• Location: Novi, MI or Charlotte NC
• Schedule: Full Time/ 40 hours per week
• Travel: 20% domestic travel
• Overtime: as required
• Assignment Start: June 2026 – December 2030
• Duration: up to 4.5 years

DISCLAIMER

This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.