Job Description

• The Design Release Engineer is responsible for the engineering, design, development, validation, timing and production release of the Seat system.
• The Engineer will have end to end ownership of their components and ensuring they meet vehicle functional objectives.
• Responsibilities also include: component design, development, and packaging; Design Verification Plan & Report (DVPR) testing; change management; bill of material maintenance; prototype and production build support; issues management; CAD model management in Teamcenter; weight reduction, cost reduction and other efficiency improvement initiatives; and communicating technical product status to management.
• Additionally, supporting vehicle assembly plants for any product technical issues, support service teams for any field warranty issues and help in root cause analysis of the failures.

Qualifications

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Advanced certification or training related to automotive interiors, seat systems, or design would be a plus.

2. Work Experience

• 3-7 years of experience in automotive design and engineering, particularly in the interiors domain.
• Prior experience in seat design , seating systems , or automotive interiors is essential.
• Exposure to advanced seat systems (e.g., electrically adjustable seats, memory foam, ergonomic designs) would be highly beneficial.
• Experience with design release processes , including component validation, testing, and compliance.

3. Technical Skills

• Proficiency in CAD Software : Expertise in using tools like CATIA , Siemens NX , SolidWorks , or AutoCAD for 3D modeling and design of seating systems.
• Knowledge of CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) tools for simulation and analysis of seats for performance (comfort, safety, durability).
• Material knowledge : Familiarity with automotive seat materials (foam, fabric, leather, metal, plastics) and their properties for durability, comfort, and cost-effectiveness.
• Understanding of automotive standards : Familiarity with industry regulations (e.g., FMVSS, ECE, ISO, SAE) for seat safety, crashworthiness, and compliance.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for automotive interiors, including molding, stitching, injection molding, and assembly techniques.

4. Design Release Process Knowledge

• Understanding of the full product lifecycle , from concept through to production release.
• Experience in design validation and testing : Ensuring that seats meet safety, ergonomic, and regulatory requirements.
• Expertise in part release processes , including drawing approval, BOM (Bill of Materials) management, and configuration control.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams including suppliers, manufacturing, and quality assurance.

5. Project Management & Communication Skills

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple components and projects at once, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Leadership skills to manage design teams or lead the release of seat systems.
• Excellent communication skills , both written and verbal, to interact with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and clients.
• Ability to document design specifications, test procedures, and changes clearly.

6. Problem Solving & Analytical Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills for resolving design, manufacturing, and quality issues related to seat systems.
• Root cause analysis capabilities for addressing defects or failures in seat design and functionality.

7. Knowledge of Safety and Ergonomics

• Safety regulations : Understanding of seat belt and airbag integration, crash testing, and other regulatory safety standards.
• Ergonomics : Ability to design seats for optimal comfort, support, and health, considering aspects like lumbar support, seat adjustability, and accessibility.

Additional Information

• This position is to be on-site to support our customer’s Heavy Truck Division.
• Experience with the Core responsibilities supporting the assembly plants for any of the following industries will be considered: Heavy Trucks, Military Vehicles, Aircraft, Train, Automobile, large Agriculture equipment, heavy Machinery, or heavy Construction equipment.