Design Release Engineer (Interior)

Service Type: HybridPosition: Design Release Engineer (DRE)As an Interior Design Release Engineer, you will be a technical authority in Instrument Panel (IP), floor console (FC), or decorative trim (deco) while leading the engineering development, integration, validation, and launch of these systems with an unwavering focus on safety, quality, technical excellence, and flawless execution. You will drive disciplined delivery to all vehicle development milestones, enable beautiful design execution, and achieve cost, quality, mass, craftsmanship, and performance targets across the vehicle portfolio.This role requires strong engineering fundamentals, systems thinking, and technical rigor, with hands-on responsibility for CAD/package integration, supplier collaboration, DFMEA/DFSS excellence, and robust validation-from early product definition through launch and into production.Program & Technical LeadershipDesign, development, analysis, implementation, and validation of complex instrument panel and console subsystemsPerform engineering design evaluations and concept development across vehicle programsUtilize engineering tools (DFMEA, ICDs, PFMEA) and leverage CAE groups including Safety Performance to develop the best system solutionAssess design to manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, vibration welding, vacuum forming, foam-in-place, wrapping)Package components, manage CAD development through suppliers or designers, and collaborate with other vehicle systems (Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints, etc.). Ensure best practices are incorporated in CAD models and schedule and lead Peer ReviewsWork cross-functionally to support vehicle configuration, realize cost optimization, deliver customer-driven requirements, and implement product and process improvementsBalance business imperatives including cost, part count, mass, complexity, timing, and contentCommunicate with internal and external customer organizations and lead the product development team (PDT). Track and resolve open issuesReview and apply benchmarking for design direction competitivenessLead execution through change management processesSupport development of Statement of Requirements (SOR) and lead development of statements of work; serve as key partner for DFMEA/DRBFM/FEALead launch activities with a quality and on-time execution mindsetOperational Excellence & Enterprise AlignmentActively contribute to enterprise initiatives: CAE-driven design, virtual execution, automation, faster development, and enhanced supply chainMaintain process discipline through project development: clear documentation, lessons-learned review, risk assessments, and disciplined engineering executionDrive change management rigor with concise problem statements, alternatives, and documented impactsUse benchmarking to calibrate design direction competitiveness and inform BOM strategies and feature/content decisionsFoster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and psychological safety within the PDT-escalate risks early with facts and optionsStrengthen knowledge management (checklists, playbooks, templates, references) and support global alignment on standardsTravel as needed during development, integration, and launch phases (plant builds, supplier trials, validation events, craftsmanship audits)Required QualificationsEducation, Experience and Technical DepthBachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related field)8-10 years in instrument panel, floor console, and decorative trim development with end-to-end exposure from early product definition through launchDemonstrated outstanding performance in subsystem ownership, issue resolution, and on-time delivery to vehicle development milestonesSubsystem expertise in injection molded trim, foam-in-place, thermoformed skins, and cut-and-sew wrapping of substrates. Detailed knowledge of IP, IP Structure, and Floor Console performance requirements, applicable regulations, and best practicesProven proficiency in component/subsystem design and development, vehicle integration, and design for manufacturability/automationMastery of DFMEA/DRBFM, ADVP&R development (validation plans), ICDs, and PFMEA collaboration with Manufacturing EngineeringStrong partnership with CAE (including Safety Performance) to validate robustness and inform design iterations using data-driven decisionsDFSS Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred. Demonstrated use of DFSS tools to prevent defects and enable read-acrossSkillsDemonstrated ownership and urgency, with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive clear outcomes on cost, mass, complexity, timing, and contentProject management capability; PMI/PMP preferredEffective in change management with clear problem framing, options with quantified impacts, and decisive documented approvalsStrong written and verbal communication; able to lead PDTs and coordinate with Creative Design, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers, and adjacent systems (Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints)Proven ability to influence without authority, escalate appropriately, and drive cross-functional alignmentTools & SoftwareProficiency with CAD workflows and release processes; ability to manage CAD through suppliers or designers, ensure best practices are met, and lead peer reviewsEstablished knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project; experience with CAD/visualization tools (e.g., VisMockup, NX/UniGraphics, or similar)Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pmDriving Requirement: Candidates must be 21 years of age or older, as driving will be required as part of job function Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions. If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting HR-InfoImpellamNA@impellam.com or fill out this form to request accommodations.