Design Engineer – Automotive Interiors

ALTEN Technology USA; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Mentorship program

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a Client Design Release Engineer to drive the Instrument Panel and cockpit component design from concept through production release. You will coordinate with suppliers to ensure performance, safety, and cost targets are met while guiding design validation and testing activities.

The role requires collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and vehicle integration teams to deliver robust interior designs that integrate seamlessly into vehicles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–6 years in interior systems design/development, instrumentation panel experience.
• CAD tools, DVP, DFMEA, plastic injection molding, and trim assembly experience.
• Knowledge of ergonomic design, packaging CAD, airbag integration and regulatory safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design & Development: lead Instrument Panel components from concept to production release.
• Supplier Collaboration: work with Instrument Panel, Console, and Doors suppliers on feasibility and cost.
• Technical Leadership: provide guidance to resolve design issues and process problems.
• Validation & Testing: develop validation testing including vehicle and durability tests.
• Risk Management: lead DFMEA and ensure robust design.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

DVP

DFMEA

Plastic injection molding

Trim assembly

Airbag integration

Cross-car beam

HMI integration

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company that provides solutions for engineering, technology, and product development projects. For decades, we’ve been helping our clients develop products that are changing the world, whether that’s by shaping the future of space exploration, saving lives with medical devices that set a new standard of care, or creating the fully autonomous electric taxi of tomorrow. Our team of more than 600 people works across industries including aerospace, medical devices and life sciences, unmanned systems and robotics, automotive OEM and tier 1 suppliers, commercial vehicle, electric vehicles, rail, and more. Our offices across the US have different industry focuses and engage with our clients in different ways, ranging from working on-site at client facilities to performing product development at our delivery centers.

ALTEN Group, our parent company, has been a leader in engineering and information technology for more than 30 years. ALTEN Group operates in 30 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and employs more than 36,000 people, 88% of whom are engineers. The company covers the whole development cycle and offers a choice of service levels, from technology consulting to complete project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you join a group of people passionate about collaborating to solve some of the world’s most technical engineering challenges. Our success is tied to taking care of our employees by building relationships and providing opportunities for mentorship and career growth. We offer comprehensive benefits for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; paid time off (PTO); paid parental leave; and mentorship to help you take your career to the next level. You don’t have to take our word for it that we are a great place to work—we were named on the 2023 Top Workplaces list thanks to feedback from our proud employees.

Job Description:

• A Client Design Release Engineer (Cockpit – Instrument Panel) is an engineering professional responsible for the design, development, and production release of the Instrument Panel and associated cockpit components (including Console and Doors), ensuring they meet performance, quality, safety, and cost requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
• This role involves collaborating with internal teams and external suppliers to manage design feasibility, technical specifications, validation testing, risk assessment (DFMEA), and production processes, ultimately ensuring a successful and robust interior design is integrated into the final vehicle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design & Development: Drive the design and development of Instrument Panel components – with additional scope on Console and Doors – from concept through production release.
• Supplier Collaboration: Work closely with Instrument Panel, Console, and Doors suppliers on design feasibility, manufacturability, cost, and adherence to engineering standards.
• Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and support to resolve design issues, material selection challenges, and process problems.
• Validation & Testing: Develop and implement validation testing strategies, including component, vehicle, and durability testing, to ensure components meet performance metrics.
• Risk Management: Lead risk assessment activities, such as Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), to ensure design robustness and mitigate potential issues.
• Documentation: Generate and manage technical documentation, including system and sub-system technical specifications.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Partner with manufacturing, quality, testing, and vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless implementation and integration of interior designs.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is typically required.
• Experience: 3 to 5/6 years of relevant experience in design/development engineering, particularly in Interior Systems, with proven experience on Instrument Panel and exposure to Console and Doors.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) tools, design validation processes (DVP), and failure mode analysis (DFMEA). Proficiency in plastic injection molding and trim assembly processes, specific knowledge of Instrument Panel architecture (including airbag integration and cross-car beam) as well as Console and Door panel design, Knowledge of ergonomic design and HMI integration, CAD expertise for packaging and design, Understanding of safety and regulatory requirements, Experience with fit & finish and perceived quality optimization.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, organizational, and detail-oriented skills are essential.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and interface professionally with cross-functional teams and management.

ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.