Design Release Engineer – Cockpit (Instrument Panel, Console & Doors)

Altentechnologyusa; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a Client Design Release Engineer (Cockpit – Instrument Panel) to drive the design, development, and production release of instrument panel components (including console and doors) for automotive interiors. You will collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to ensure performance, safety, and cost targets are met through the product lifecycle.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, DFMEA, validation testing, and robust documentation, with mentorship

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5/6 years in interior systems design and instrument panel.
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP, and plastic molding processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and release Instrument Panel components from concept to production.
• Collaborate with suppliers on feasibility, cost, and standards.
• Provide technical leadership and resolve design issues.
• Develop validation testing strategies for components and vehicles.
• Lead DFMEA and risk assessment activities.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and quality teams for integration.

Skills

CAD tools

DVP validation

DFMEA

Plastic injection molding

Instrument Panel design

Ergonomic design

HMI integration

Cross-functional work

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software (Creo/CATIA)

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life‑saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

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.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug‑free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening as a condition of hire.