Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Trim Plastics - Contract #1065046

Fasttek; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & Dental

Vision

PTO

Long-term disability

Life Insurance

401(k)

Job summary

FastTek Global is seeking a Design & Release Engineer for Interior Trim Plastics in Troy, Michigan. You will lead the design, development, and integration of cockpit trim components, ensuring FMVSS compliance and project milestones are met.

The role demands hands-on leadership across internal teams and suppliers throughout the APQP process. You will validate designs, review test data, and manage PPAP documentation to ensure launch readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in automotive cockpit system engineering.
• Experience with FMVSS/IIHS regulatory validation and cockpit trim design.
• Experience releasing components in PLM and engineering changes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and launch of cockpit trim components (bins, trims, IP panels).
• Oversee packaging compatibility and system-level functionality.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet milestones and PPAP requirements.
• Conduct supplier and internal design reviews to resolve issues.
• Ensure interfaces and attaching hardware meet system requirements.
• Define critical characteristics and integrate with adjacent systems.
• Deliver products meeting quality and reliability targets on schedule.

Skills

Cockpit system engineering

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PLM systems

PPAP documentation

MS Office

Job description

Troy, Michigan Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Trim Plastics - Contract #1065046

Job Description:

We for a dynamic, experienced DRE - Interior Trim Plastics to join our 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 our 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 our quality, performance, and regulatory objectives are achieved and sustained throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

• 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).

Additional Info:

At FastTek Global, Our Purpose is Our People and Our Planet. We come to work each day and are reminded we are helping people find their success stories.Also, Doing the right thing is our mantra. We act responsibly, give back to the communities we serve and have a little fun along the way. We have been doing this with pride, dedication and plain, old-fashionedhard work for 24 years! FastTek Global is financially strong, privately held company that is 100% consultant and client focused. We've differentiated ourselves by being fast, flexible, creative and honest. Throw out everything you've heard, seen, or felt about every other IT Consulting company. We do unique things and we do them for Fortune 10, Fortune 500, and technology start-up companies.

• Medical and Dental (FastTek pays majority of the medical program)
• Vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Program
• Long Term Disability (100% paid)
• Life Insurance (100% paid)
• 401(k) with immediate vesting and 3% (of salary) dollar-for-dollar match

Plus, we have a lucrative employee referral program and an employee recognition culture. FastTek Global was named one of the Top Work Places in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023!

To view all of our open positions go to: https://www.fasttek.com/fastswitch/findwork

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You can become a fan of FastTek on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fasttekglobal/

AI & Hiring Disclosure

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Our tools are regularly reviewed to detect potential bias and to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and our commitment to inclusive hiring.

To learn more or exercise your rights, please contact us at [e-mail].