Design Release Engineer (Accessories) – Seat Complete

Contechs; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Contechs is seeking an experienced Accessories Design Release Engineer, Seat Complete in Michigan to lead the design and release of seating systems with electric power steering integration. You will own APQP documentation, DFMEA, DVP&R and coordinate with vehicle integration teams to ensure regulatory compliance and performance.

Responsibilities include leading design reviews, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring timeliness of milestones while maintaining cost, weight, and functionality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive Engineering or similar.
• 8+ years in automotive seating or related engineering roles.
• Experience with APQP, DFMEA, and DVP&R documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and release Electric Power Steering seat complete systems to meet targets.
• Lead APQP documentation, DFMEA, drawings, control plans and DVP&R.
• Collaborate with Purchasing for sourcing seating components and supplier reviews.
• Ensure seat systems integrate with vehicle electrical and HVAC interfaces.
• Drive design reviews at milestones and manage changes to parts and systems.

Skills

APQP process

DFMEA

Product release

Regulatory knowledge (FMVSS/NHTSA)

Catia V5

PLM systems

Cost/weight optimization

Supplier interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Automotive Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Catia V5

PLM

Job description

• Our Client is seeking a dynamic, experienced Accessories Design Release Engineer, Seat Complete to join our growing team.
• This role will be responsible for the design and release of Electric Power Steering systems for vehicles, ensuring that steering 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 quality, performance, and regulatory objectives are achieved and sustained throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
• Lead the development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient Seat Complete systems including integration of JIT components, Foam, Trim, Structures, Heat and Vent.
• Directly impact occupant comfort being responsible for the design and release of the Seat complete, including supporting hardware and software.
• Apply engineering disciplines and take on full responsibility for APQP documentation, including DFMEA, Engineering Specifications, DVP&R, Drawings, Control Plans.
• Collaborate with Purchasing in the sourcing of new Seating components / systems, whether for material cost reductions or new platforms, conducting supplier technical reviews to ensure the best source for the product from a functional and financial perspective.
• Create, specify, and release Seating components, working directly with our Vehicle Integration teams to ensure vehicle functional objectives are met.
• Work with affected teams to ensure that accessories (like removable trim covers, heated and vented trim covers, audio accessories and more) are properly accommodated by the Seat and Electrical systems.
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
• Manage changes to parts / systems and resolve all functional, durability, and assembly issues identified.
• Deliver products to meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary documentation and identification / labeling.
• Lead Design Reviews for each component / system at required milestones.
• Act as the primary liaison with suppliers of the parts under your umbrella.
• Engage with Accessories, Body, Restraints, Design, Manufacturing, Safety, Vehicle Integration (NVH, Vehicle Dynamics), and Vehicle Evaluation and Verification to deliver robust Seating systems to production that meet vehicle level performance and component requirements.
• Ensure validation of the Seating system, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
• Create or assist in the creation of Product Assembly Documents and ensure joint development for your parts.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required. Master's degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in automotive Seating System engineering.
• Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas / components:
• Seat JIT Integration.
• Seat complete FMVSS, IIHS and other 3rd party rating validation.
• Seat foam and trim design.
• Strong product knowledge in steering rack components, tuning variables, and specification.
• Strong understanding of occupant kinematics and their effects on vehicle validation.
• Experience working with Catia V5 (opening and saving models / drawings, editing drawings, section cutting and taking measurements, etc.). Modeling skills are also a plus.
• Experience working within a PLM and releasing components and processing engineering changes.
• Functional experience with all NHTSA / FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements.
• Technical writing and documentation experience.
• Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical trade-offs and optimized solutions with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Highly adaptable and proactive, excelling in fast-paced start-up and new model launch environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Work Authorization Requirement:

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.
• Our Client is unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Why work through Contechs?

Contechs is a strategic partner to the automotive industry, providing innovative design and engineering services to global OEMs, from concept to production.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance in the application process