Design and Release Engineer

Interior Design Release Engineer – Instrument Panel (IP) Structure

Overview

The Interior Design Release Engineer (DRE) – IP Structure serves as the technical owner for the Instrument Panel structural system, leading engineering development, integration, validation, and launch activities. This role ensures delivery to vehicle program milestones while meeting targets for safety, quality, cost, mass, performance, and craftsmanship.

The position requires strong engineering fundamentals, systems thinking, and hands-on experience with CAD integration, supplier collaboration, and validation processes from early concept through production launch.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Technical Leadership

• Lead design, development, validation, and release of the instrument panel structure subsystem.
• Perform design evaluations and support concept development across vehicle programs.
• Develop robust system solutions using tools such as DFMEA, PFMEA, ICDs, and CAE collaboration (including safety performance).
• Assess manufacturability of designs (e.g., stamping, welding, casting, injection molding).
• Manage CAD packaging and integration through internal and supplier design teams.
• Lead peer design reviews to ensure adherence to engineering best practices.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with thermal, electrical, body, chassis, restraints, and other teams.
• Balance program targets including cost, mass, complexity, timing, and content.
• Track, prioritize, and resolve engineering issues to support milestone delivery.
• Support benchmarking to guide competitive design decisions.
• Lead change management processes and maintain documentation of decisions and impacts.
• Develop Statements of Requirements (SOR) and Statements of Work (SOW).
• Lead validation planning (DVP&R) and partner with CAE and manufacturing teams.
• Support launch activities including builds, validation events, and production readiness.

Operational Excellence

• Contribute to initiatives such as CAE-driven design, virtual validation, and process automation.
• Maintain disciplined engineering processes, documentation, and lessons learned.
• Drive structured problem-solving and decision-making with clear trade-offs.
• Use benchmarking and data to inform design strategies and cost optimization.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and proactive risk escalation across teams.
• Support standardization efforts including checklists, templates, and best practices.
• Travel as needed to support development, supplier activities, and launch events.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related field)

Experience

• 3–5 years of engineering experience
• At least 2 years of experience in one or more of the following:
  • Instrument Panel (IP) Structure
  • Welded steel stampings
  • Cast structural components
• Experience owning a subsystem from concept through launch preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong background in component and subsystem design, integration, and validation
• Knowledge of IP structure systems, interior components, and related performance requirements
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as stamping, welding, and casting
• Proficiency with engineering tools:
  • DFMEA, PFMEA, DRBFM
  • DVP&R (validation planning)
  • ICD development
• Experience applying Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) principles (certification preferred)
• Ability to collaborate effectively with CAE teams to validate designs

Tools & Software

• Experience with CAD systems and release processes
• Familiarity with NX / UniGraphics or similar CAD tools preferred
• Experience with visualization tools (e.g., VisMockup) is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Project)

Soft Skills

• Strong ownership mindset with ability to manage competing priorities
• Project management capability; PMP certification is a plus
• Effective communicator across cross-functional teams and suppliers
• Ability to influence decisions without direct authority
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills