Interior Door Trim Design Release Engineer; DRE

The Interior Door Trim Design Release Engineer (DRE) is responsible for the end-to-end development, release, and launch of door trim systems across Stellantis vehicle platforms. This role owns the technical definition, packaging, performance, and quality of interior door trim assemblies and subcomponents, collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver world‑class fit, finish, and craftsmanship.

This position is ideal for a mid‑level engineer with 5+ years of experience in interiors, plastics, trim, or door systems who is ready to take ownership of a major vehicle subsystem.

• Lead the design, release, and engineering development of door trim components including upper/lower panels, map pockets, armrests, appliqués, speaker grills, integrated lighting, and decorative surfaces.

• Own 2D/3D data, BOMs, piece numbers, and engineering documentation across Stellantis systems.

• Define and maintain functional specifications, requirements, and performance targets for door trim systems.

• Collaborate closely with studio, packaging, CAE, manufacturing, ergonomics, and craftsmanship teams to ensure robust design feasibility.

• Drive supplier engagement: design reviews, DFMEA development, tooling feasibility, APQP deliverables, timing management, and cost/quality alignment.

• Build and manage DVP&R plans; coordinate and validate testing for durability, environmental, thermal, NVH, abuse, and safety requirements.

• Support prototype builds (Mule, VP, PPAP, Launch) to resolve fit, finish, function, and integration issues quickly and effectively.

• Use formal root cause tools (KT, 5‑Why, Red X, etc.) to diagnose and permanently resolve design, material, and manufacturing issues.

• Travel regularly to manufacturing plants and suppliers to support builds, troubleshoot issues on‑site, and lead root cause activities.

• Evaluate materials and manufacturing processes (injection molding, soft‑touch skins, overmold, foam, paint, hydrographics, laser‑etch, decorative appliqués).

• Manage engineering changes, CNs/ECNs, in‑plant support, and continuous quality improvements.

• Identify and execute cost reduction and value optimization opportunities without sacrificing performance or craftsmanship.

• Benchmark competitive products and propose innovations and improvements for Stellantis Interior Cockpit systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive interiors, door systems, cockpit engineering, plastics, or similar component development.

• Familiarity with CAD systems — NX preferred, CATIA acceptable — for design evaluation, packaging reviews, and feasibility analysis.

• Proficiency with quality tools such as root cause analysis, KT, 5‑Why, and Red X.

• Understanding of injection molding, GD&T, DFM/A, materials, tolerances, and craftsmanship fundamentals.

• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP, PPAP, and standard OEM development processes.

• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to plants and suppliers for build support, root cause investigations, and issue resolution.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional, global environment.

• Direct experience with door trim modules at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier.

• Experience with integrated lighting, wiring, switches, speakers, and functional trim interfaces.

• Experience with root cause tools beyond basics (Red X practitioner, Six Sigma, etc.).

• Exposure to safety, NVH, airbag packaging, and vehicle‑level door system integration.

• Knowledge of decorative technologies (painted surfaces, chrome, laser etch, hydrodip, wood grain, etc.).

• Experience managing cost reduction initiatives and value engineering.