Mission
About the Role
We are seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Jr. Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Cockpit Systems to support the engineering design, packaging release, and integration of vehicle cockpit assemblies.
In this role, you will assist senior release engineers in managing the cross-functional delivery of cockpit architecture—including Instrument Panels (IP), center consoles, passenger display integration, gloveboxes, air registers, ducting, cross-car structural beams (CCB), and HUD (Heads-Up Display) packaging envelopes. You will work closely with interior styling, HVAC/thermal, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure cockpit components meet quality, packaging, safety, and assembly targets.
Key Responsibilities
Component Release Support: Assist in managing the CAD modeling, engineering release, and engineering change management (ECOs/ECRs) for cockpit sub-assemblies and components within PLM systems (Teamcenter or Enovia).
3D CAD Packaging & Feasibility: Perform section analyses, clearance checks, and interface studies in CATIA or Siemens NX to resolve packaging clashes between the cockpit structure, HVAC ducting, wiring harnesses, displays, and steering column envelopes.
Cross-Functional Integration: Partner with adjacent attribute teams—including Safety (airbag deployment/Kneebag zones), NVH (squeak and rattle control), Thermal/Climate Control, and Ergonomics/HMI—to ensure component compatibility.
Supplier Coordination: Support daily alignment with Tier-1 cockpit module suppliers; review Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) reports, injection tooling feedback, and component build timing.
Build Support & Root Cause Analysis: Participate in prototype vehicle builds (TT, PP) and plant launches to troubleshoot physical fitment, gaps/flush issues, clip/fastener retention, and squeak/rattle concerns using 8D and 5-Why methodologies.
Validation & DVP&R: Track component validation testing against the Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R), including headform impact, airbag deployment, heat aging, and solar loading tests.
Profil
Qualifications & Skill Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or Mechatronics Engineering.
Experience: 1–3 years of experience in automotive product engineering, interior trim, cockpit/instrument panel components, or plastic injection molding (internships, co-ops, or trainee programs within automotive OEMs/Tier-1 suppliers are welcome).
CAD Foundations: Hands-on proficiency in 3D CAD platforms (CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX) for solid modeling, sectioning, clearance analysis, and packaging evaluations.
Plastics & Materials Knowledge: Basic understanding of injection molded plastics (PP, ABS, PC/ABS), foam-in-place processes, cross-car beam structures, and fastening/stitching methods.
Engineering Standards: Familiarity with automotive quality tools, including DFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, datum schemes, and interior safety/crashworthiness regulations (e.g., FMVSS 201/208).
Travel Flexibility: Willingness and capability to travel 15%–25% to support assembly plant launches, testing facilities, and supplier manufacturing sites.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior internship, co-op, or junior engineering experience focused on Instrument Panels (IP), Center Consoles, or cockpit display integration.
Exposure to airbag deployment packaging, ductwork design, or structural metal/plastic composite beams.
Strong organizational skills and proficiency in using PLM software and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace for status tracking.