Design & Release Engineer - Interior Mechanisms

About the company

My client is an innovative American automotive manufacturer focused on redefining affordable electric mobility.

They are developing a new generation of purpose-built electric vehicles with an emphasis on simplicity, modular design, and customer customisation.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Our Client is looking for a dynamic, experienced: Design & Release Engineer – Interior Mechanisms to join their growing team.

Responsibilities

• This role will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of phone and iPad holding mechanism systems integrated within the vehicle cockpit for automotive vehicles.
• This includes mechanical retention systems, adjustability features, durability performance and user interaction (HMI) consideration to ensure robust performance across all operating conditions.
• The individual will be responsible for understanding the vehicle’s technical specifications and performance targets.
• Utilizing the APQP process and supporting documentation, this position will ensure quality, performance, and regulatory objectives are achieved and sustained throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

What You Get To Do:

• Lead design, development, validation and launch of phone/iPad holder systems including spring loaded clamps, detent mechanism, friction-based retention systems, and multi axis adjustability.
• Ensure proper packaging compatibility, interface alignment, and system level functionality with the cockpit, console etc.
• Define kinematics and usability (one hand operation, ergonomic reach)
• Lead interface with adjacent systems (HVAC, body structures, soft trim, electrical, restraints).
• Work directly with our adjacent systems to ensure phone/iPad holder Integration meets vehicle functional objectives.
• Define functional objectives to meet product performance and safety targets to ensure product meets both functional performance and safety
• Conduct supplier and internal technical reviews to ensure packaging and design issues are addressed/resolved.
• Work with affected teams to ensure that accessories (like removable trim covers, speaker systems, phone and iPad holders, and more) are properly accommodated by the Cockpit system.
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
• Define and integrate critical characteristics (CC/SC) with adjacent systems.
• Deliver products to meet quality and reliability requirements and arrive on time for program milestones, with all necessary PPAP documentation
• Lead Design and Component Integration reviews for each component / system at required milestones.
• Ensure validation of mechanism systems, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
• Support prototype builds, DV/PV and launch readiness.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

What You Bring To The Team:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required. Master's degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive mechanism system engineering.
• Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas / components:
• Mechanical mechanism (springs, hinges, detents).
• Interior FMVSS, IIHS and other 3rd party rating validation.
• Plastic part design and injection molding
• Handheld device interface, and user interaction (HMI) design
• Experience working within a PLM and releasing components and processing engineering changes.
• Functional experience with all NHTSA / FMVSS, CARB, EPA, FCC, or other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to lead teams and meetings through technical trade-offs and optimized solutions with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Highly adaptable and proactive, excelling in fast-paced start-up and new model launch environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).