(DRE) - Plastics Seats Engineer

ALTEN Technology USA; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Auburn Hills, MI, is seeking a Design Release Engineer focused on plastics for automotive seating systems. This role involves leading the design and development of plastic components, ensuring compliance with performance and regulatory standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Plastics Engineering and at least 2 years of experience in automotive plastics design. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential. Join a supportive team that values employee growth and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years in automotive plastics design and development, preferably seating systems.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding, tooling, and material properties.
• Familiarity with automotive standards and validation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and release of plastic components for seat systems.
• Ensure designs meet functional, aesthetic, durability, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage change control through CN/PLM systems.

Skills

Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills

Excellent communication

Supplier management abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Plastics Engineering

Tools

Teamcenter/NX

PLM/CATIA V5

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

• Design Release Engineer (DRE) focused on plastic components for automotive seating systems. Responsible for the design, development, and release of plastic components within the seat system, ensuring compliance with performance, cost, and timing objectives.
• Strong technical knowledge of plastics engineering, tooling, and manufacturing processes; collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and release of plastic components for seat systems (e.g., side shields, backs, trim covers, recliner covers)
• Ensure designs meet functional, aesthetic, durability, and regulatory requirements
• Lead design & development activities according to client design practices
• Manage change control through CN/PLM systems
• Work closely with suppliers on tooling feasibility, material selection, and manufacturing processes
• Support DFMEA, DVP&R activities with suppliers
• Program Delivery
  • Track and meet program timing, cost, and quality targets
  • Resolve technical issues promptly and escalates risks as needed
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Coordinate with structures, foam, trim, and JIT teams to ensure seamless integration of plastic components
  • Support launch readiness and plant build events

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 2 years in automotive plastics design and development (preferably seating systems)
• Strong knowledge of injection molding, tooling, and material properties
• Familiarity with automotive standards and validation processes
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack‑up analysis
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and supplier management abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and lightweighting strategies
• Proficiency in Teamcenter/NX and/or PLM/CATIA V5

Compliance Notice

ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.

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.

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Technology, Information and Internet

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