Interior Design Release Engineer

Service Type: Hybrid Position: Interior Design Release Engineer (DRE) 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…