Design Release Engineer (DRE) - Hard Trim Interior

Job Description:

• Own the design, release, and validation of interior hard-trim components, including A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, headliner, instrument panel, door trim, and related trim systems.
• Lead investigation and resolution of fit, finish, gap, flush, squeak/rattle, and assembly issues identified during vehicle builds, production, and warranty.
• Drive root cause analysis using dimensional measurements, tolerance stack-up studies, force testing, BOB/WOW studies, and structured problem-solving methods.
• Serve as the engineering owner interfacing with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and metrology teams to resolve interior trim concerns and drive design decisions.
• Direct dimensional inspection and variation analysis using scanning, checking fixtures, SPC data, and tolerance analysis; approve corrective actions based on findings.
• Design and release trim interfaces, clips, snaps, fasteners, and attachment features to optimize fit, assembly, and perceived quality.
• Create, own, and release 3D models, drawings, and engineering changes using Siemens NX or similar CAD tools.
• Define requirements for and approve checking fixtures and inspection aids for interior trim components; support their deployment during production containment.
• Lead participation in vehicle builds and validation events to evaluate interior trim fitment, appearance, assembly, and functionality, with authority to direct design updates.
• Own supplier and plant investigations, including containment activities, quality alerts, work instructions, and corrective action plans.
• Manage engineering and quality issue tracking through systems such as Global Issue Management (GIM), ensuring timely resolution and closure.
• Analyze SPC and dimensional data using tools such as Minitab; lead tolerance/variation studies and drive design responses.
• Represent hard trim interior systems in design reviews, build events, and cross-functional meetings; present findings and drive issues to closure.
• Author and release engineering changes, drawing updates, and corrective actions from initial investigation through final validation and sign-off.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive design release engineering, interior trim, vehicle assembly, manufacturing, or quality (adjust based on level).
• Strong working knowledge of automotive interior hard trim components and vehicle assembly processes.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, preferably Siemens NX, including model/drawing release authority.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensional variation, tolerance stack-up, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and author engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to work in a vehicle plant, assembly environment, or test/build facility as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct design release experience with A/B/C-pillar trim, headliners, door trim, instrument panels, or other interior hard trim.
• Experience with 3D scanning, checking fixtures, SPC, Minitab, 3DCS, or Monte Carlo tolerance analysis.
• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience in a design release capacity.
• Proficiency with Teamcenter or other PLM systems, including change/release workflows.
• Experience leading vehicle build, launch, quality, or warranty investigations from an engineering ownership perspective.