Innovation Engineer

We are seeking an Interiors Innovation Engineer that will be responsible for researching, developing, and implementing innovative soft and hard trim solutions for automotive seating, trim, and soft-touch components. This role focuses on emerging technologies, advanced materials, and customer-driven innovations that enhance vehicle comfort, functionality, quality, and aesthetics. The engineer collaborates closely with customers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, and cross-functional departments to bring innovative concepts from ideation through production launch.

• Identify and evaluate emerging trends, technologies, and materials within automotive interiors.
• Collaborate with customers to understand future product requirements and innovation roadmaps.
• Lead concept development for innovative seating, trim, and interior component solutions.
• Develop prototypes, proof-of-concept models, and demonstration samples.
• Conduct benchmarking studies of competitor products, materials, and technologies.
• Support advanced engineering activities during RFQ, concept, and pre-development phases.
• Coordinate with design studios, suppliers, manufacturing, quality, and purchasing teams to ensure feasibility and successful implementation.
• Evaluate and recommend new materials, textiles, foams, decorative surfaces, and smart interior technologies.
• Support patent reviews and assist in identifying intellectual property opportunities.
• Participate in customer innovation workshops, technology showcases, and industry events.
• Develop and present technical reports, business cases, and innovation proposals to leadership and customers.
• Support APQP activities and product launches when innovation projects transition into production.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, or related technical field required.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive interiors, seating systems, soft trim, product development, advanced engineering, or innovation engineering.
• Experience working with OEMs and Tier 1 automotive suppliers preferred.
• Experience with advanced materials, textiles, polymers, foams, decorative surfaces, or sustainable material technologies.
• Knowledge of automotive development processes including APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Experience with prototype development and validation activities.

• Understanding of automotive interior systems and components.
• Proficiency with CAD software (CATIA, NX, Solid Works, or similar).
• Familiarity with DFMEA, Design Validation, and Product Testing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Automotive seating systems.
• Soft trim and sewn products.
• Smart interior technologies.
• EV interior systems.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.