Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Trim Plastics

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

Job summary

Contechs is seeking a Design & Release Engineer (DRE) for Interior Trim Plastics to lead design, development, and integration of cockpit trim components across vehicle programs.

The candidate will drive PPAP readiness, manage CP/SC characteristics, and collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to ensure timing and quality meet program milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering (or related).
• 5+ years in automotive cockpit system engineering.
• Experience with FMVSS/IIHS or other ratings validation.
• PLM experience and component release processes.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (NHTSA/FMVS, CARB, EPA, FCC).

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and launch of cockpit trim components.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet performance targets.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and PPAP documentation.
• Validate cockpit systems through tests, reviews, and reports.
• Support prototype builds, DV/PV, and launch readiness.

Skills

Cockpit system engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical tradeoffs

Communication skills

Office software proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PLM

Release management

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client is seeking a dynamic, experienced Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Trim Plastics to join their growing team.

This role will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of cockpit trim components including IP doors, bins, and finish trim for vehicles, ensuring that cockpit trim 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 design, development, material selection and launch of cockpit system components (bins, trims, glove box, IP door panels and more)
• Ensure packaging compatibility, interface alignment, and system level functionality.
• Lead product development, material selection, tooling reviews and launch of new components from concept to launch
• Conduct supplier and internal technical reviews to ensure packaging and design issues are addressed/resolved.
• Work with affected teams to ensure that plastic trim components (like removable trim covers, bin doors, bins more) are properly accommodated by the Cockpit system.
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
• Define and integrate critical characteristics (CC/SC) with adjacent systems.
• Deliver products to meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary PPAP documentation
• Lead Design and Component Integration reviews for each component / system at required milestones.
• Engage with Accessories, Body, Restraints, Design, Manufacturing, Safety, Vehicle Integration (NVH, Vehicle Dynamics), and Vehicle Evaluation and Verification to deliver robust IP Trim Plastics to production that meet vehicle level performance and component requirements.
• Ensure validation of the cockpit systems, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
• Support prototype builds, DV/PV and launch readiness

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.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive Cockpit System engineering.
• Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas / components:
• Cockpit complete FMVSS, IIHS and other 3rd party rating validation.
• Cockpit and trim plastic design.
• Interior trim plastic materials and injection molding
• 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.
• Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical tradeoffs 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).

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