Design Release Engineer (DRE) - Hard Trim Interior

ALTEN Technology USA; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking an experienced interior trim design release engineer to own the design release of A-, B-, C-pillars, headliners, instrument panels, and related trim systems. You will work in a fast-paced automotive environment, coordinating with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and metrology teams to ensure fit, finish, and aesthetic quality on vehicle builds.

The role requires 3–5+ years in automotive design release or interior trim, a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive design release engineering, interior trim, vehicle assembly, manufacturing, or quality.
• Strong working knowledge of automotive interior hard trim components and vehicle assembly processes.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, preferably Siemens NX, including model/drawing release authority.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensional variation, tolerance stack‑up, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and author engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong problem-solving, decision‑making, and cross‑functional communication skills.
• Ability to work in a vehicle plant, assembly environment, or test/build facility as required.

Responsibilities

• Own the design release and validation of interior hard-trim components.
• Lead investigation and resolution of fit, finish, gap, and squeak/rattle issues.
• Drive root cause analysis using dimensional measurements and tolerance studies.
• Interface with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and metrology teams.
• Design and release trim interfaces, clips, fasteners, and attachment features.
• Create, own, and release 3D models, drawings, and engineering changes in CAD.
• Lead participation in vehicle builds and validation events.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional communication

GD&T

Dimensional analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

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:

• Own the design, release, and validation of interior hard-trim components, including A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, headliner, instrument panel, door trim, and related trim systems.
• Lead investigation and resolution of fit, finish, gap, flush, squeak/rattle, and assembly issues identified during vehicle builds, production, and warranty.
• Drive root cause analysis using dimensional measurements, tolerance stack‑up studies, force testing, BOB/WOW studies, and structured problem‑solving methods.
• Serve as the engineering owner interfacing with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and metrology teams to resolve interior trim concerns and drive design decisions.
• Direct dimensional inspection and variation analysis using scanning, checking fixtures, SPC data, and tolerance analysis; approve corrective actions based on findings.
• Design and release trim interfaces, clips, snaps, fasteners, and attachment features to optimize fit, assembly, and perceived quality.
• Create, own, and release 3D models, drawings, and engineering changes using Siemens NX or similar CAD tools.
• Define requirements for and approve checking fixtures and inspection aids for interior trim components; support their deployment during production containment.
• Lead participation in vehicle builds and validation events to evaluate interior trim fitment, appearance, assembly, and functionality, with authority to direct design updates.
• Own supplier and plant investigations, including containment activities, quality alerts, work instructions, and corrective action plans.
• Manage engineering and quality issue tracking through systems such as Global Issue Management (GIM), ensuring timely resolution and closure.
• Analyze SPC and dimensional data using tools such as Minitab; lead tolerance/variation studies and drive design responses.
• Represent hard trim interior systems in design reviews, build events, and cross‑functional meetings; present findings and drive issues to closure.
• Author and release engineering changes, drawing updates, and corrective actions from initial investigation through final validation and sign‑off.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive design release engineering, interior trim, vehicle assembly, manufacturing, or quality (adjust based on level).
• Strong working knowledge of automotive interior hard trim components and vehicle assembly processes.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, preferably Siemens NX, including model/drawing release authority.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensional variation, tolerance stack‑up, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and author engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and cross‑functional communication skills.
• Ability to work in a vehicle plant, assembly environment, or test/build facility as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct design release experience with A/B/C-pillar trim, headliners, door trim, instrument panels, or other interior hard trim.
• Experience with 3D scanning, checking fixtures, SPC, Minitab, 3DCS, or Monte Carlo tolerance analysis.
• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience in a design release capacity.
• Proficiency with Teamcenter or other PLM systems, including change/release workflows.
• Experience leading vehicle build, launch, quality, or warranty investigations from an engineering ownership perspective.

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.