Design Release Engineer - Interior Plastics

Design Release Engineer – Interior Hard Trim & Overhead Systems

As a Design Release Engineer – Interior Hard Trim & Overhead Systems, you will lead the development, integration, and release of hard trim and overhead components within the vehicle interior. This role spans the full vehicle lifecycle—from requirements definition through design execution, testing, validation, and launch—and requires close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, suppliers, manufacturing, and design partners.

Product Development & Design Release

• Lead design analysis and product development activities for interior systems, with primary focus on hard trim and overhead components, including pillars and related assemblies.
• Drive the release of advanced components and complete product lines, ensuring alignment to performance, quality, cost, mass, and timing targets.
• Own part and drawing release, configuration, and change control using established GM systems and processes.
• Define engineering requirements and ensure that designs meet functional, ergonomic, safety, and packaging needs.
• Diagnose, analyze, and resolve design, dimensional, and product deficiencies using sound engineering principles and structured problem-solving methods.

Build, Validation & Launch Support

• Coordinate and support prototype, pilot, and production build activities, ensuring parts, tooling, and documentation are available and correct.
• Plan, execute, and track testing and validation programs, including DVSS and other design verification and validation activities.
• Apply GD&T, build stacks, and dimensional analysis to ensure proper fit, finish, and function of interior trim components.
• Use common inspection and measurement tools to support design verification, feasibility assessments, and quality audits.

Cost, Quality & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Maintain strong cost control discipline, balancing business imperatives including cost, mass, complexity, manufacturability, and timing.
• Provide clear technical leadership and guidance to designers, technicians, and supporting engineers.
• Lead and participate in DFMEA and PFMEA activities to proactively manage risk and improve product robustness.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including: Interior Restraints Systems, Body Systems, Electrical Systems, HVAC Systems, Cargo Management Systems, Creative Design (Studio), Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing.
• Partner directly with suppliers to resolve technical issues, ensure feasibility, and support successful program launches.
• Coordinate engineering activities across plants, Orion, Studio, and supplier locations to ensure alignment and execution.

Top Required Hard Skills

1. Interior CAD & Product Definition
• Proficiency in NX for 3D/2D math, interfaces, and product definition
• Experience with interior hard trim, overhead systems, and pillar architectures

1. Release & Change Control
• Experience with TKO/eBOM, part and drawing release, effectivity, and configuration management
• Familiarity with development and release processes (e.g., GVDP)

1. Dimensional, Feasibility & Problem Solving
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T, build stacks, and manufacturing feasibility
• Proven ability to solve trim fit/finish, ergonomic, and integration issues using structured methods

Experience & Education

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering preferred)

Experience Required

• 3+ years of experience developing and executing technical solutions for injection molded and/or compression molded interior components
• Demonstrated experience balancing cost, mass, complexity, quality, and timing trade-offs
• Comfort working in multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teams
• Strong ability to operate effectively in environments with ambiguity, late changes, and aggressive timelines

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Previous Design Release Engineer (DRE) experience
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving methodologies, including: Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) – Green Belt or higher, Red-X
• Experience conducting and leading DFMEA and PFMEA activities

Ideal Team Fit & Working Style

The following traits describe the type of engineer who thrives in our environment:

• Proactive problem-solver – Identifies issues early, goes to "see" problems firsthand, and brings back actionable lessons learned
• Systems thinker – Balances ergonomics, safety, packaging, warranty, cost, and studio intent holistically
• Detail-focused doer – Cares deeply about trim interfaces, A-pillars, handles, and the small details that drive perceived quality
• High-ownership collaborator – Takes accountability and works seamlessly across plants, Orion, Studio, and suppliers
• Calm under pressure – Remains solution-focused during ambiguity, late changes, and launch challenges
• Curious learner and teacher – Enjoys learning from builds, testing, and failures—and actively shares knowledge with others

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of WARREN, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $47.00 - $51.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), Short and long-term disability, Health Spending Account (HSA), Transportation benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in WARREN, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 22, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.