Design Release Engineer

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive engineering firm located in Michigan is seeking a Design Release Engineer specializing in door trims and center consoles. The role involves managing product performance, overseeing release processes, and leading design teams. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and several years of experience in the automotive sector. Strong CAD skills, particularly in NX or CATIA, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams are essential. This role focuses on delivering high-quality automotive interiors.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in automotive interiors or complex plastic assemblies.
• Strong understanding of DFM/A, materials, tolerances, GD&T principles.
• Ability to travel for cross-functional collaboration and investigations.

Responsibilities

• Manage product performance to meet functional and cost targets.
• Oversee product release and change management processes.
• Lead design and release of door trim and console assemblies.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Injection Molding

Quality Tools

Cross-functional Collaboration

3D CAD Software (NX/CATIA)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

CATIA

Job description

Job Title: Design release Engineer (Door Trims & Console)

Location: Auburn Hills, MI

Interface with Vehicle Engineering, suppliers, Purchasing, Quality and Assembly Plants.

• Manage product performance to meet functional, cost, weight, and investment targets.
• Oversee product release and change management processes.
• Direct packaging in vehicle environment.
• Support AQP, PSO, product launch and ongoing maintenance of carryover product.
• Be responsible for design, design practices, lessons learned, DFMEAs, DVP&R, and oversee release of designated components.
• Oversee the development and refinement cockpit components such as door trims and center consoles.
• Lead the end-to-end design and release of door trim and center console assemblies, subcomponents, and functional modules (console body, rails, armrests, lid hinges, appliqués, rubber mats, storage bins, ambient lighting, cupholders, cut & sew applications for bolsters and upper trims, map pockets, mirror sails, window garnish etc.).
• Own 2D/3D data, BOMs, piece numbers, and engineering documentation within Stellantis systems.
• Develop and maintain functional specifications and design requirements for console systems including ergonomics, usability, and craftsmanship.
• Collaborate with studio, packaging, CAE, ergonomics, electrical architecture, HMI, HVAC, and manufacturing to ensure robust integration and feasibility.
• Support integration of console-mounted electronic features (USB ports, wireless chargers, lighting modules, switch banks, PRNDL/shifter modules).
• Drive supplier engagement including design reviews, DFMEAs, tooling feasibility, APQP tracking, and timing deliverables.
• Develop and execute DVP&R test plans for console and/or door trim structural durability, abuse, environmental, vibration, squeak & rattle, usability, and electrical integration.
• Support all prototype and production builds (Mule, VP, PPAP, Launch) and resolve issues quickly through structured root cause methods.
• Utilize formal quality tools such as root cause analysis, KT, 5-Why, Red X to investigate and eliminate console performance or assembly issues.
• Travel regularly to plants and suppliers to support builds, validate manufacturability, and lead on-site troubleshooting.
• Evaluate materials and manufacturing processes (injection molding, soft-touch skins, foam-over-film, insert molding, overmold, paint, hydrographics, chrome, texture & grain selection).
• Identify and execute cost reduction and value optimization opportunities to enhance quality or reduce piece cost without sacrificing functionality or craftsmanship.
• Benchmark competitive console and door trim designs and contribute to innovation and future cockpit experience features.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in automotive interiors, floor consoles, cockpit systems, or complex plastic assemblies.
• Familiarity with CAD tools — NX preferred, CATIA acceptable — for packaging, design reviews, and feasibility analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with quality tools (root cause analysis, KT, 5-Why, Red X).
• Strong understanding of injection molding, DFM/A, materials, tolerances, GD&T, and craftsmanship fundamentals.
• Experience developing and executing DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP, and PPAP deliverables.
• Ability to travel regularly to plants and suppliers for root cause investigations and build support.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in a cross-functional and global engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with integrated electronics such as wireless chargers, docks, USB hubs, LED ambient lighting, and console-mounted controls.
• Knowledge of console-mounted HVAC interfaces, shifter systems, storage mechanisms, dampers, latches, magnets, and soft-open/soft-close features.
• Experience working with multi-material console systems (PP, PC/ABS, TPO skins, PU foam, rubber mats, decorative trims).
• Exposure to NVH development, squeak & rattle standards, and vehicle-level validation.
• Hands-on experience supporting launch at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier.
• Experience leading cost reduction/value engineering initiatives.