Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Accessories

About the company

My client is an innovative American automotive manufacturer focused on redefining affordable electric mobility. They are developing a new generation of purpose-built electric vehicles with an emphasis on simplicity, modular design, and customer customisation. They are looking for a Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Accessories to join their expanding team on a Contract basis. The role will be located in Troy Michigan, USA.

Job Description

Our Client is looking for a dynamic, experienced DRE - Interior Accessories to join their growing team. This role will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of interior accessories systems including cockpit storage bins, organizers, Cassette trim, trim covers, speaker mount, and other customer-facing accessory features for the Clients' vehicles. This role will be ensuring that product target performance and features, as well as FMVSS requirements, are met. The individual will be responsible for understanding the vehicle's technical specifications and performance targets. Utilizing the APQP process and supporting documentation, this position will ensure Client quality, performance, and regulatory objectives are achieved and sustained throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead end to end integration of interior accessory component systems (instrument panel trim covers, speaker mounts, storage bins, Cassette trim and etc).
• Ensure packaging compatibility, interface alignment, and system level functionality.
• Lead interface with adjacent systems (cockpit, console, body structures, soft trim, electrical, and restraints).
• Work directly with our adjacent systems to ensure accessory components meet vehicle functional objectives.
• Conduct supplier and internal technical reviews to ensure packaging and design issues are addressed/resolved.
• Work with affected teams to ensure that accessories (removable trim covers, speaker system mounts, IP trim, and more) are properly accommodated by the cockpit and console system.
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
• Define and integrate critical characteristics (CC/SC) with adjacent systems.
• Deliver products to meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary PPAP documentation.
• Lead design and accessory component integration reviews for each component / system at required milestones.
• Engage with Studio, Body, Restraints, Design, Manufacturing, Safety, Vehicle Integration (NVH, Vehicle Dynamics), and Vehicle Evaluation and Verification to deliver robust accessory component systems to production that meet vehicle level performance and component requirements.
• Ensure validation of the accessories components, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
• Support prototype builds, DV/PV and launch readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required. Master's degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive Interior Accessories System engineering.
• Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas / components:
  • Automotive Interior accessories integration or consumer product experience.
  • Plastic part design and injection molding
  • Interior plastic materials
  • Interior component