Design Release Engineer (Interior)

Bartech Staffing; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Impellam Group is seeking an Interior Design Release Engineer to lead the development, integration, validation, and launch of instrument panel, floor console, or decorative trim systems with a strong focus on safety and quality.

You will own end-to-end design through production, drive DFMEA/DFSS and PFMEA processes with CAE partners, manage CAD development with suppliers, and coordinate cross-functional teams to meet cost, mass, and performance targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related field).
• 8–10 years in instrument panel, floor console, and decorative trim development with end-to-end exposure from early product definition through launch.
• Subsystem expertise in injection molding, foam-in-place, thermoformed skins, and wrapping; IP/Footprint knowledge.
• Proven design and integration with manufacturability/automation.
• Mastery of DFMEA/DRBFM, validation plans, ICDs, PFMEA with Manufacturing.
• Strong CAE partnership to validate robustness and guide iterations with data.
• DFSS Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, development, analysis, implementation, and validation of instrument panel and console subsystems.
• Perform engineering design evaluations and concept development across vehicle programs.
• Utilize DFMEA, PFMEA, ICDs and collaborate with CAE to develop best system solution.
• Assess design to manufacturing processes and support packaging components.
• Package components and manage CAD development through suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Lead launch activities with quality and on-time execution.
• Travel as needed during development, integration, and launch phases.

Skills

Ownership & urgency

PMI/PMP

Change management

Communication

Cross-functional leadership

Influence without authority

Stakeholder alignment

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related field)

DFSS Green Belt

Black Belt preferred

Tools

CAD tools

VisMockup/NX/UniGraphics

MS Office

Job description

As an Interior Design Release Engineer, you will be a technical authority in Instrument Panel (IP), floor console (FC), or decorative trim (deco) while leading the engineering development, integration, validation, and launch of these systems with an unwavering focus on safety, quality, technical excellence, and flawless execution. You will drive disciplined delivery to all vehicle development milestones, enable beautiful design execution, and achieve cost, quality, mass, craftsmanship, and performance targets across the vehicle portfolio.

This role requires strong engineering fundamentals, systems thinking, and technical rigor, with hands-on responsibility for CAD/package integration, supplier collaboration, DFMEA/DFSS excellence, and robust validation-from early product definition through launch and into production.

Program & Technical Leadership

• Design, development, analysis, implementation, and validation of complex instrument panel and console subsystems
• Perform engineering design evaluations and concept development across vehicle programs
• Utilize engineering tools (DFMEA, ICDs, PFMEA) and leverage CAE groups including Safety Performance to develop the best system solution
• Assess design to manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, vibration welding, vacuum forming, foam-in-place, wrapping)
• Package components, manage CAD development through suppliers or designers, and collaborate with other vehicle systems (Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints, etc.). Ensure best practices are incorporated in CAD models and schedule and lead Peer Reviews
• Work cross-functionally to support vehicle configuration, realize cost optimization, deliver customer-driven requirements, and implement product and process improvements
• Balance business imperatives including cost, part count, mass, complexity, timing, and content
• Communicate with internal and external customer organizations and lead the product development team (PDT). Track and resolve open issues
• Review and apply benchmarking for design direction competitiveness
• Lead execution through change management processes
• Support development of Statement of Requirements (SOR) and lead development of statements of work; serve as key partner for DFMEA/DRBFM/FEA
• Lead launch activities with a quality and on-time execution mindset

Operational Excellence & Enterprise Alignment

• Actively contribute to enterprise initiatives: CAE-driven design, virtual execution, automation, faster development, and enhanced supply chain
• Maintain process discipline through project development: clear documentation, lessons-learned review, risk assessments, and disciplined engineering execution
• Drive change management rigor with concise problem statements, alternatives, and documented impacts
• Use benchmarking to calibrate design direction competitiveness and inform BOM strategies and feature/content decisions
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and psychological safety within the PDT-escalate risks early with facts and options
• Strengthen knowledge management (checklists, playbooks, templates, references) and support global alignment on standards
• Travel as needed during development, integration, and launch phases (plant builds, supplier trials, validation events, craftsmanship audits)

Required Qualifications

Education, Experience and Technical Depth

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related field)
• 8-10 years in instrument panel, floor console, and decorative trim development with end-to-end exposure from early product definition through launch
• Demonstrated outstanding performance in subsystem ownership, issue resolution, and on-time delivery to vehicle development milestones
• Subsystem expertise in injection molded trim, foam-in-place, thermoformed skins, and cut-and-sew wrapping of substrates. Detailed knowledge of IP, IP Structure, and Floor Console performance requirements, applicable regulations, and best practices
• Proven proficiency in component/subsystem design and development, vehicle integration, and design for manufacturability/automation
• Mastery of DFMEA/DRBFM, ADVP&R development (validation plans), ICDs, and PFMEA collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering
• Strong partnership with CAE (including Safety Performance) to validate robustness and inform design iterations using data-driven decisions
• DFSS Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred. Demonstrated use of DFSS tools to prevent defects and enable read-across

Skills

• Demonstrated ownership and urgency, with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive clear outcomes on cost, mass, complexity, timing, and content
• Project management capability; PMI/PMP preferred
• Effective in change management with clear problem framing, options with quantified impacts, and decisive documented approvals
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to lead PDTs and coordinate with Creative Design, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers, and adjacent systems (Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints)
• Proven ability to influence without authority, elevate appropriately, and drive cross-functional alignment

Tools & Software

• Proficiency with CAD workflows and release processes; ability to manage CAD through suppliers or designers, ensure best practices are met, and lead peer reviews
• Established knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project; experience with CAD/visualization tools (e.g., VisMockup, NX/UniGraphics, or similar)

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm

Driving Requirement: Candidates must be 21 years of age or older, as driving will be required as part of job function

Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.

If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting [e-mail] or fill out this form to request accommodations.