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ALTEN Technology USA

Junior Instrument Panel Design Engineer – Automotive

Auburn Hills, USAOn-sitePosted 4 weeks ago

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Job type
Full-time
Work mode
On-site
Level
Entry Level
Department
Engineering
Experience
3+ years experience
Posted
Sep 2, 2026

About the role

Job Description:

  • Own the design, release, and validation of interior hard-trim components, including A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, headliner, instrument panel, door trim, and related trim systems.
  • Lead investigation and resolution of fit, finish, gap, flush, squeak/rattle, and assembly issues identified during vehicle builds, production, and warranty.
  • Drive root cause analysis using dimensional measurements, tolerance stack-up studies, force testing, BOB/WOW studies, and structured problem-solving methods.
  • Serve as the engineering owner interfacing with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and metrology teams to resolve interior trim concerns and drive design decisions.
  • Direct dimensional inspection and variation analysis using scanning, checking fixtures, SPC data, and tolerance analysis; approve corrective actions based on findings.
  • Design and release trim interfaces, clips, snaps, fasteners, and attachment features to optimize fit, assembly, and perceived quality.
  • Create, own, and release 3D models, drawings, and engineering changes using Siemens NX or similar CAD tools.
  • Define requirements for and approve checking fixtures and inspection aids for interior trim components; support their deployment during production containment.
  • Lead participation in vehicle builds and validation events to evaluate interior trim fitment, appearance, assembly, and functionality, with authority to direct design updates.
  • Own supplier and plant investigations, including containment activities, quality alerts, work instructions, and corrective action plans.
  • Manage engineering and quality issue tracking through systems such as Global Issue Management (GIM), ensuring timely resolution and closure.
  • Analyze SPC and dimensional data using tools such as Minitab; lead tolerance/variation studies and drive design responses.
  • Represent hard trim interior systems in design reviews, build events, and cross-functional meetings; present findings and drive issues to closure.
  • Author and release engineering changes, drawing updates, and corrective actions from initial investigation through final validation and sign-off.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3–5+ years of experience in automotive design release engineering, interior trim, vehicle assembly, manufacturing, or quality (adjust based on level).
  • Strong working knowledge of automotive interior hard trim components and vehicle assembly processes.
  • Proficiency with CAD tools, preferably Siemens NX, including model/drawing release authority.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensional variation, tolerance stack-up, and root cause analysis methodologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret and author engineering drawings and technical documentation.
  • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and cross-functional communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a vehicle plant, assembly environment, or test/build facility as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct design release experience with A/B/C-pillar trim, headliners, door trim, instrument panels, or other interior hard trim.
  • Experience with 3D scanning, checking fixtures, SPC, Minitab, 3DCS, or Monte Carlo tolerance analysis.
  • Automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience in a design release capacity.
  • Proficiency with Teamcenter or other PLM systems, including change/release workflows.
  • Experience leading vehicle build, launch, quality, or warranty investigations from an engineering ownership perspective.