Design release Engineer (Door Trims & Console)

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group
Auburn Hills, MI

Interface with Vehicle Engineering, suppliers, Purchasing, Quality and Assembly Plants.

  • Manage product performance to meet functional, cost, weight, and investment targets.
  • Oversee product release and change management processes.
  • Direct packaging in vehicle environment.
  • Support AQP, PSO, product launch and ongoing maintenance of carryover product.
  • Be responsible for design, design practices, lessons learned, DFMEAs, DVP&R, and oversee release of designated components.
  • Oversee the development and refinement cockpit components such as door trims and center consoles.
  • Lead the end-to-end design and release of door trim and center console assemblies, subcomponents, and functional modules (console body, rails, armrests, lid hinges, appliqués, rubber mats, storage bins, ambient lighting, cupholders, cut & sew applications for bolsters and upper trims, map pockets, mirror sails, window garnish etc.).
  • Own 2D/3D data, BOMs, piece numbers, and engineering documentation within Stellantis systems.
  • Develop and maintain functional specifications and design requirements for console systems including ergonomics, usability, and craftsmanship.
  • Collaborate with studio, packaging, CAE, ergonomics, electrical architecture, HMI, HVAC, and manufacturing to ensure robust integration and feasibility.
  • Support integration of console-mounted electronic features (USB ports, wireless chargers, lighting modules, switch banks, PRNDL/shifter modules).
  • Drive supplier engagement including design reviews, DFMEAs, tooling feasibility, APQP tracking, and timing deliverables.
  • Develop and execute DVP&R test plans for console and/or door trim structural durability, abuse, environmental, vibration, squeak & rattle, usability, and electrical integration.
  • Support all prototype and production builds (Mule, VP, PPAP, Launch) and resolve issues quickly through structured root cause methods.
  • Utilize formal quality tools such as root cause analysis, KT, 5-Why, Red X to investigate and eliminate console performance or assembly issues.
  • Travel regularly to plants and suppliers to support builds, validate manufacturability, and lead on-site troubleshooting.
  • Evaluate materials and manufacturing processes (injection molding, soft-touch skins, foam-over-film, insert molding, overmold, paint, hydrographics, chrome, texture & grain selection).
  • Identify and execute cost reduction and value optimization opportunities to enhance quality or reduce piece cost without sacrificing functionality or craftsmanship.
  • Benchmark competitive console and door trim designs and contribute to innovation and future cockpit experience features.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or equivalent.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in automotive interiors, floor consoles, cockpit systems, or complex plastic assemblies.
  • Familiarity with CAD tools — NX preferred, CATIA acceptable — for packaging, design reviews, and feasibility analysis.
  • Demonstrated experience with quality tools (root cause analysis, KT, 5-Why, Red X).
  • Strong understanding of injection molding, DFM/A, materials, tolerances, GD&T, and craftsmanship fundamentals.
  • Experience developing and executing DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP, and PPAP deliverables.
  • Ability to travel regularly to plants and suppliers for root cause investigations and build support.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in a cross-functional and global engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with integrated electronics such as wireless chargers, docks, USB hubs, LED ambient lighting, and console-mounted controls.
  • Knowledge of console-mounted HVAC interfaces, shifter systems, storage mechanisms, dampers, latches, magnets, and soft-open/soft-close features.
  • Experience working with multi-material console systems (PP, PC/ABS, TPO skins, PU foam, rubber mats, decorative trims).
  • Exposure to NVH development, squeak & rattle standards, and vehicle-level validation.
  • Hands-on experience supporting launch at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier.
  • Experience leading cost reduction/value engineering initiatives.

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