Seat Heat & Vent Design Release Engineer

Akkodis; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

10 days PTO

6 holidays

Job summary

Akkodis is seeking a Seating Heat & Ventilation Design Release Engineer (DRE) to lead end-to-end design, release, validation, and launch of heated/ventilated seat systems across vehicle programs. You will define technical requirements, release documentation, and drive supplier interactions for best-in-class comfort, quality, and value.

Responsibilities include coordinating with cross-functional teams, leading DFMEA/DVP&R activities, and overseeing validation and issue resolution from concept to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ABET-accredited engineering.
• 5+ years of automotive engineering experience.
• Hands-on with heated/ventilated seating systems and related components.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and release of seat heating and ventilation components from concept through production.
• Develop and maintain component and system-level specifications and standards.
• Lead packaging and integration of heat/vent systems into seat structures and foam.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation in Stellantis systems (P/Ns, BOMs, drawings, 3D data).
• Coordinate with suppliers on DFMEA, DVP&R, timing plans, and cost studies.
• Plan and execute validation activities including thermal performance and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze test data, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions.
• Support vehicle builds and resolve fit, finish, function, and thermal issues.
• Collaborate with Electrical, HVAC, HMI, Body, and Vehicle teams; ensure robust control strategies.
• Manage engineering changes, cost reductions, and quality improvements.
• Support safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements as applicable.
• Track program status, risks, and open issues; maintain organized issue lists.
• Benchmark competitive seat technologies and contribute to roadmap.

Skills

Leadership

Autonomy

Communication

Positive attitude

Willingness to learn

Flexibility

Team player

Attention to detail

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

CATIA

NX

3D CAD

Job description

The Seating Heat & Ventilation Design Release Engineer (DRE) is responsible for the end-to-end design, development, validation, and launch of heated and ventilated seat systems across vehicle programs. This role owns the technical definition, release, and ongoing quality performance of the seat thermal comfort features, working closely with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to deliver best-in-class customer comfort, quality, and value.

• Job Title: Seating Heat & Ventilation Design Release Engineer (DRE)
• Rate Range: PR: $32 to $33/hr on W2, Health, 10 day PTO +6 holiday. The rate may be negotiable based on experience, education, geographic location, and other factors.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Own the design and release of seat heating and ventilation components and systems (heater mats, blowers, plenums, foam interfaces, harnesses, etc.) from concept through production.
• Develop and maintain component and system-level technical specifications, design documents, and engineering standards for heated and ventilated seating.
• Lead packaging and integration of heat and ventilation systems into seat complete/structures and foam, ensuring compliance with ergonomics, safety, comfort, manufacturability, and serviceability requirements.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation in Stellantis systems (e.g., part numbers, BOMs, drawings, 3D data etc).
• Coordinate with suppliers on design proposals, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, timing plans, and cost/feasibility studies; drive robust design solutions that meet Stellantis performance targets.
• Plan and execute validation activities for seat heat & ventilation systems, including thermal performance testing, durability, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze test data, identify root cause of issues, and drive corrective actions and design changes to closure.
• Support vehicle builds (mules, pilots, PPAP, launch) by resolving fit, finish, function, and electrical/thermal performance issues in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Electrical, HVAC, HMI, Body, and Vehicle Integration teams to ensure seamless system operation, proper network communication (LIN/CAN), and robust control strategies.
• Manage engineering changes (CNs/ECNs), cost reductions, and quality improvements for in-production programs.
• Support functional safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements as applicable (thermal safety, occupant comfort and health, electrical safety, etc.).
• Track and report program status, risks, and open issues to management and program teams; maintain clear and organized open issue lists.
• Benchmark competitive seat comfort technologies and contribute to Stellantis seating innovation roadmaps for thermal comfort and wellbeing.

Required Qualifications / Experience

• Demonstrated leadership skills, ability to work autonomously, excellent communication skills, positive attitude, willingness to learn, flexibility, team-player, and attention to detail.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in the automotive industry.
• Hands-on experience with heated/ventilated/cooled seat systems, including interaction with foam, trim, HVAC, Modules and seat structures.
• Working knowledge of engineering fundamentals in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and/or HVAC integration.
• Prior experience in a Design Release Engineer (DRE) or System Responsible Engineer role at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (CATIA, NX, or equivalent) for packaging and design review (detailed design experience is a plus).
• Experience with standard engineering tools and processes: DFMEA, DVP&R, root cause analysis, design reviews, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience with global project management and leading cross-functional teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, an EAP program, commuter benefits, and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable. Disclaimer: These benefit offerings do not apply to client-recruited jobs and jobs that are direct hires to a client.

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit https://www.akkodis.com/en/privacy-policy.

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

The California Fair Chance Act

Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers