Senior Design Engineer Specialist – Automotive Interior & Exterior Tri

Job Summary

The Senior Design Engineer Specialist – Automotive Interior & Exterior Trim will lead the design and development of interior and exterior trim systems for automotive applications.

The role encompasses concept development, detailed engineering, manufacturability reviews and cross‑functional coordination to deliver fit, finish, durability and cost targets across vehicles and commercial platforms.

Lead end‑to‑end design and development of automotive interior and exterior trim systems, including dashboard and cockpit assemblies, interior cabin components such as door trims, consoles and roof linings, and exterior plastic parts including bumpers, claddings and protective covers.

Deliver robust, high‑quality, manufacturable designs that meet functional, aesthetic and regulatory requirements.

Deep expertise in plastic component engineering including design for injection molding, material selection, and feature optimization (wall thickness, ribs, bosses and fastening strategies).

Ensure all components meet durability, thermal and environmental performance standards while maintaining cost‑efficiency and production feasibility.

Support manufacturing readiness through tooling concepts, jigs, fixtures and assembly aids. Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to ensure smooth transition from design to mass production, working closely with tooling and manufacturing teams.

Engineering validation: tolerance stack‑up analysis, fit and finish evaluation, structural functional assessments, collaboration with CAE teams for simulation and performance validation, and participation in prototype builds and testing phases.

Act as a subject‑matter expert while engaging cross‑functionally with styling teams, chassis and electrical integration teams, manufacturing and external suppliers for seamless component integration within the overall vehicle architecture.

Manage engineering data and documentation using PLM systems such as Teamcenter and Oracle, ensuring accurate CAD models, drawings, BOM structures and adherence to release and revision control processes.

Own end‑to‑end design activities for assigned trim modules across multiple vehicle programmes. Provide technical leadership and decision‑making on material, process and tolerance matters.

Interface with cross‑functional teams including programme managers, suppliers and test labs to ensure timely delivery of project milestones.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Design or related discipline.

Minimum 6–10 years’ experience in automotive trim development or component design, including interior and exterior systems.

Proficiency in 3D CAD (Solid Works/CATIA V5/V6, NX or similar) and experience using PLM/ALM systems for design control.

Strong knowledge of plastics, elastomers, composites, fasteners and bonding processes used in trim manufacture, tolerance stack‑up, GD&T, assembly fixtures and manufacturing process validation.

Familiarity with testing requirements (environmental, durability, UV, abrasion, FMVSS/UNECE where applicable) and failure analysis methods.

Excellent communication, problem‑solving and stakeholder management skills; able to influence across functions and suppliers. Demonstrable track record of delivering projects to schedule and cost targets; supplier technical development experience desirable.

Proactive, pragmatic and quality‑focused with strong attention to detail.

Collaborative team player who can lead technical discussions and mentor colleagues.

Adaptable to changing programme priorities and comfortable working to tight deadlines.

This role typically requires 7–12 years of experience in automotive design, with strong exposure to OEM or Tier1 environments. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of trim systems, plastic design standards, surface development (Class

A/B/C), and assembly interfaces, along with strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.