Senior Design Engineer Specialist – Automotive Interior & Exterior Trim

NAFFCO; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

NAFFCO Careers is seeking a Senior Design Engineer Specialist to lead the design and development of automotive interior and exterior trim systems. You will oversee dashboards, cabin components, and exterior plastic parts, ensuring robust, manufacturable, and cost-conscious designs across platforms.

The role demands deep plastics knowledge, DFM/ DFA excellence, and close collaboration with tooling, manufacturing, and supplier teams to meet durability, regulatory, and fit‑finish targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Design or related discipline.
• 7–12 years of experience in automotive trim design or development across interior and exterior systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (Solidworks/CATIA V5/V6, NX or similar) and PLM/ALM systems.
• Strong knowledge of plastics, elastomers, composites, fasteners and bonding processes used in trim manufacture.
• Experience with tolerance stack‑up, GD&T, assembly fixtures and manufacturing process validation.
• Experience with testing requirements (environmental, durability, UV, abrasion, FMVSS/UNECE where applicable) and failure analysis methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design and development of interior and exterior trim systems including dashboards, door trims, consoles, roof linings and exterior plastic parts.
• Drive design for manufacturing/assembly, tooling concepts, jigs, fixtures, and assembly aids; ensure manufacturability and cost targets.
• Collaborate with CAE teams for simulations and performance validation; participate in prototype builds and testing.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers; engage styling, chassis, electrical integration, manufacturing and suppliers to ensure seamless integration.

Skills

3D CAD

PLM/ALM

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Supplier liaison

Education

Mechanical/Automotive/Industrial Design degree

Tools

Solidworks

CATIA V5/V6

NX

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Design Engineer Specialist – Automotive Interior & Exterior Trim will lead design and development of interior and exterior trim systems for automotive applications. The role encompasses concept development, detailed engineering, manufacturability reviews, and cross‑functional coordination to deliver fit, finish, durability and cost targets across vehicles and commercial platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• A highly experienced engineering specialist responsible for leading the end-to-end design and development of automotive interior and exterior trim systems. This includes dashboard and cockpit assemblies, interior cabin components (such as door trims, consoles, and roof linings), and exterior plastic parts including bumpers, claddings, and protective covers. The role focuses on delivering robust, high-quality, and manufacturable designs that meet functional, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements.

• The position requires deep expertise in plastic component engineering, including design for injection molding, material selection, and optimization of features such as wall thickness, ribs, bosses, and fastening strategies. Ensures all components meet durability, thermal, and environmental performance standards while maintaining cost-efficiency and production feasibility.

• A key aspect of the role is supporting manufacturing readiness through the development of tooling concepts, jigs, fixtures, and assembly aids. Applies Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to ensure smooth transition from design to mass production, working closely with tooling and manufacturing teams.

• Responsible for engineering validation activities, including tolerance stack‑up analysis, fit and finish evaluation, and structural/functional assessments of trim components. Collaborates with CAE teams to support simulations and performance validation, and actively participates in prototype builds and testing phases.

• Works under the guidance of Senior Design Management while acting as a subject matter expert for interior and exterior trim systems. Engages cross‑functionally with styling teams, chassis and electrical integration teams, manufacturing, and external suppliers to ensure seamless component integration within the overall vehicle architecture.

• Manages engineering data and documentation using PLM systems such as Teamcenter and Oracle, ensuring accurate CAD models, drawings, BOM structures, and adherence to release and revision control processes.

Scope of Role

• Owns end‑to‑end design activities for assigned trim modules across multiple vehicle programmes.

• Provides technical leadership and decision making on material, process and tolerance matters.

• Interfaces with cross‑functional teams including programme managers, suppliers and test labs to ensure timely delivery of project milestones.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Design or related discipline.

• Minimum 6–10 years’ experience in automotive trim development or component design, including experience with interior and exterior systems.

• Proficiency in 3D CAD (Solidworks/CATIA V5/V6, NX or similar) and experience using PLM/ALM systems for design control.

• Strong knowledge of plastics, elastomers, composites, fasteners and bonding processes used in trim manufacture.

• Experience with tolerance stack‑up, GD&T, assembly fixtures and manufacturing process validation.

• Familiarity with testing requirements (environmental, durability, UV, abrasion, FMVSS/UNECE where applicable) and failure analysis methods.

• Excellent communication, problem solving and stakeholder management skills; able to influence across functions and with suppliers.

• Demonstrable track record of delivering projects to schedule and cost targets; experience of supplier technical development is desirable.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, pragmatic and quality focused with strong attention to detail.

• Collaborative team player who can lead technical discussions and mentor colleagues.

• Adaptable to changing programme priorities and comfortable working to tight deadlines.

Important: This role Typically requires 7–12 years of experience in automotive design, with strong exposure to OEM or Tier 1 environments. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of trim systems, plastic design standards, surface development (Class A/B/C), and assembly interfaces, along with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.