SL07 - Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Trim Plastics
Dorle Controls LLC · Troy, Michigan, United States ·
- Category
- Design
- Experience
- 5+ years
Design & Release Engineer who leads the design, development, material selection, and launch of cockpit interior trim plastic components (IP doors, bins, glove box) for Slate vehicles, using APQP/PPAP processes to hit quality, performance, and FMVSS targets through production. Core focus is automotive interior trim plastics, injection molding, PLM-based releases, and cross-functional integration.
This role will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of cockpit trim components including IP doors, bins, and finish trim for Slate 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 Slate's 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).