Design Release Engineer (Cockpit Components)

Tata Technologies; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering solutions company in Auburn Hills seeks a Design and Release Engineer specializing in door trims and center consoles. This role involves managing product performance, interfacing with various teams, and driving innovative designs. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and have a minimum of 3 years' experience in automotive interiors. Familiarity with CAD tools such as NX is preferred. Competitive compensation offered, along with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in automotive interiors or complex plastic assemblies.
• Experience with quality tools like root cause analysis.
• Strong grasp of GD&T and craftsmanship fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Interface with Vehicle Engineering and suppliers.
• Oversee product release and change management processes.
• Drive supplier engagement including design reviews.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Injection Molding

CAD Tools (NX, CATIA)

DFMEA

DVP&R

Cross-functional Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

NX

CATIA

Job description

At Tata Technologies we make product development dreams a reality by designing, engineering, and validating the products of tomorrow for the world’s leading manufacturers. Due to our continued growth, we are now recruiting for a below position

Job Title : Design and Release Engineer (Door Trims and Console)

Location: Auburn Hills, MI

Duration: Full time

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Tata Technologies Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of employment or career development.

Tata Technologies: Engineering a better world.

Tata Technologies would like to thank all applicants for their interest, each application will be reviewed against the set criteria for the role. We would like to advise that only candidates under consideration will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 10 working days following the closing date it will mean that unfortunately your application has not been successful. We will however retain your details for any suitable future opportunities.