Design Release Engineer, Body Interior- Soft Trim Engineer

Alten

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Role Overview You will be a key contributor within a world-class automotive interior trim engineering team, responsible for the development and delivery of hard interior trim components. This role focuses on mechanical engineering, detail design, packaging, and launch execution, working closely with design, vehicle engineering, and supplier partners to deliver premium interior solutions from concept through production.   Key Responsibilities   * Contribute to the development of high-quality hard interior trim components delivering on luxury, craftsmanship, performance, safety, ergonomics, and functionality * Lead or support the engineering, packaging, release, and launch of hard trim components including instrument panels, door trims, consoles, pillars, headliners, and load floors across the vehicle portfolio * Translate interior design intent into production-feasible, manufacturable hard trim solutions with attention to surface quality, class A feasibility, and fit and finish * Manage component-level DFMEA, DVPR, boundary diagrams, and robustness checklists through design and release milestones * Work cross-functionally with design, vehicle engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams, prioritizing overall vehicle performance and timing * Collaborate closely with interior trim suppliers to ensure technical excellence, tooling readiness, cost targets, and on-time program delivery * Define and own GD&T datum and locating strategy for hard trim assemblies; perform tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure dimensional compliance * Perform and support DFM assessments, tool feasibility reviews, and first article inspection (FAI) evaluation * Support prototype builds, buck reviews, and closed-loop resolution of dimensional and quality findings * Apply and continuously improve engineering tools, methods, and best practices to support accelerated product development   Required Qualifications   * 4+ years' experience in automotive hard interior trim engineering (IP, door trims, consoles, pillars, headliners, load floors, etc.) * Strong understanding of plastic part design, injection molding processes, and DFM principles * Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools; working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis methods * Experience supporting vehicle or product launches, including supplier tooling sign-off and manufacturing readiness * Familiarity with DFMEA, DVPR, and quality documentation processes   Nice to Have / Advantageous   * Ownership of at least one full program lifecycle from concept through SOP * Experience in a fast-paced OEM or startup EV environment * Deep knowledge of injection molded plastic structures, including two-shot molding, foaming processes, and Class A surface development * Understanding of craftsmanship standards, fit and finish targets, and homologation/safety requirements for hard trim assemblies * Competency in materials selection for structural and aesthetic hard trim substrates * Experience with supplier tooling reviews, including steel safe conditions, draft analysis, and mold flow interpretation * Hands-on, practical engineering mindset with strong problem-solving skills * Excellent communication skills with the ability to align across design, manufacturing, and supply chain stakeholders * Passion for developing exceptional automotive interiors   Salary: * $120,00-$140,000/K * The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy. Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process. Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.

Alten

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.   The Closures Systems Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, and validation of vehicle closure systems, such as side doors, hood, fender, liftgate, tailgate, etc. This role focuses on the critical intersection of sheet metal structures and mechanical hardware. You will ensure that closure systems are engineered for structural integrity and manufacturing feasibility while seamlessly integrating hardware such as latches, hinges, and seals. You will support the product from early concept through prototype testing and final production launch, meet all functional, safety, and aesthetic requirements.   What you'll do...   * Lead sub-system mechanical development and integration of closure systems, including sheet metal, door latches, hinges, hood/tailgate hardware, struts, and exterior handles. * Design and develop closure inner and outer panels, reinforcements, and architectural interfaces using CAD (3DX/CATIA). * Package and integrate moving mechanical components including hinges, latches, checks, and seals, ensuring proper kinematics and clearance. * Define and execute Design Verification Plans (DVP&R). Coordinate physical testing for durability, strength, and environmental performance, and correlate results with CAE simulations. * Work closely with Studio Design to ensure 'Class A' surface feasibility while maintaining engineering requirements for structural stiffness and water sealing. * Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure sheet metal designs are optimized for stamping, hemming, and assembly (welding/bonding). * Manage supplier technical delivery to ensure hardware components meet functional, weight, and cost targets. * Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during the development, prototype build, and vehicle launch phases. * Own the CAD, BOM, and GD&T documentation for assigned closure sub-systems.   You'll have...   Bachelor's or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.   * 3+ years of experience in production vehicle development and launch. * 3+ years of experience utilizing CAD (3DX or CATIA preferred) for automotive body or closure systems. * Demonstrated experience in the design and release of sheet metal components or mechanical hardware   Even better, you may have... * Closures Expertise: Strong understanding of closure-specific requirements, including hemming, sealing systems, and door-retention kinematics. * Expert Mechanical Fundamentals: Deep understanding of mechanism kinematics, linkages, and electromechanical integration (e.g., e-latches and powered closures). * Materials & Manufacturing: Strong knowledge of sheet metal stamping, casting, and materials science to facilitate seamless integration of hardware into the vehicle body. * CAE Literacy: Ability to leverage CAE tools to drive design decisions regarding mechanism stiffness, timing, and structural integrity. * Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with global safety standards and FMVSS requirements related to door retention and closure systems. * Validation Knowledge: Experience with DVP&R, including cycle testing, slam testing, and environmental soak validation. * Craftsmanship: Strong understanding of GD&T and how mechanism tolerances impact vehicle-level gaps, flushes, and user perceived quality. * Hands-on Approach: Experience in physical prototyping and a 'boots-on-the-ground' mentality during production build events.   Salary Range: $120,000-$140,000/K The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy. Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process. Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.

Alten

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. The Interior Systems Engineer-Instrument Panels will be responsible for concept development and detailed design of the cabin systems through multiple stages of development. You will Conceptualize, Design, Engineer, Develop and support the launch of full vehicle interior components.   Fully ONSITE in Long Beach, CA   What you'll do...   * Create and develop Hard Trim System requirements and specifications while developing geometry and the engineering execution in conjunction with design, supply chain, and other core teams.  * Create vehicle-aligned component and system targets for function, cost, weight and investment.  * Develop 3D geometry and innovative designs concepts that solve challenging crash load cases while balancing construction, material, and manufacturing methods  * Optimize the concepts and designs with analytical and physical assessments, ensuring conformation to federal regulations governing assigned systems.  * Deliver world-class craftsmanship and fit/finish through the proper implementation of GD&T.  * Develop, study, and implement novel construction techniques and materials then drive them to production feasibility  * Enable effective communications with Studio, Packaging, Advanced Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supplier activities to deliver optimal design solutions  * Support presentations of concepts and status to senior management and internally to Company personnel    You'll have...   * B.S. in Mechanical Engineering  or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. * 1-5 years of experience designing, developing, and releasing one or more interior subsystem and adjoining parts including component manufacturing and assembly processes  * Experience using 3D CAD software collaboratively (NX, Catia, 3DX, etc.)  * Team lead experience  * Experience in the production release process  * Experience in a factory setting launching a new product  * System level management experience   Even better, you may have...   * Master's Degree in Engineering  * Excellent understanding of GD&T standards  * High level of expertise and proficiency with Catia, Enovia, or similar tools including drawing and modeling practices and methodologies  * Hands-on experience building and launching automotive products  * Experience with Microsoft Office applications and other information management tools  * Strong written and verbal communication skills  * A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Certificate of Accomplishment from a recognized Design educational institution, or equivalent skills and expertise  * Experience using Confluence, Jira, Asana, or other project management tools  * An eagerness to work cross-functionally in a dynamic environment where you are part of a high performing team  * A system approach to design and development with the desire and curiosity to strive for exceptional delivery execution and continuous improvement  Salary Range: $100,000-$125,000/K The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy. Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process. Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.