What are the responsibilities and job description for the DRE - Interior Accessories position at altentechnologyusa?
We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000 experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.
As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000 engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.
When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
- BS Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. 5 years of experience in automotive interior systems engineering.
- This position is focused on leading the design, development, and integration of interior accessory systems across the full vehicle lifecycle. The role acts as the key interface between engineering, design, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure components meet performance, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- The DRE will be responsible for delivering robust, customer-facing interior components (storage systems, trim, speaker mounts, etc.) from concept through production, ensuring proper system integration, validation, and launch readiness.
- This is a highly cross-functional role requiring strong technical ownership, system-level thinking, and the ability to drive alignment across multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced development environment.
- Experience in interior systems, plastic components, and product validation is essential. Experience in startup or new vehicle programs is a strong plus.
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Lead end-to-end development and integration of interior accessory systems (storage bins, trim covers, speaker mounts, cassette trim, etc.)
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Ensure system-level functionality, packaging compatibility, and interface alignment
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Define and manage interfaces with cockpit, console, body structures, electrical, and restraints systems
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Drive technical trade-offs and ensure optimized design solutions
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Act as the main interface between design, engineering, manufacturing, safety, and validation teams
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Collaborate with Studio, Body, NVH, Vehicle Dynamics, and Validation teams to meet vehicle-level requirements
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Lead technical reviews with internal teams and suppliers
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Drive issue resolution across all stakeholders
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Work closely with suppliers to ensure design feasibility, quality, and timely delivery
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Review and resolve design, packaging, and fitment issues
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Ensure proper integration of hardware, joints, and attachment systems
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Manage PPAP deliverables and component release processes
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Define validation requirements and ensure components meet performance and regulatory standards (FMVSS, etc.)
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Review test plans, setups, and results (internal and external validation)
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Ensure robustness and reliability of components through DV/PV phases
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Support prototype builds and vehicle integration activities
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Ensure readiness for key program milestones and production launch
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Track progress, risks, and deliverables throughout the development lifecycle
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Ensure all documentation and engineering changes are properly managed (PLM)
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Hands-on, detail-oriented engineer with strong system integration experience in automotive interiors
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Strong ownership mindset with the ability to drive components from concept to production
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Comfortable working in highly cross-functional environments with multiple technical interfaces
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Structured and analytical, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
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Confident communicator able to lead technical discussions and align stakeholders
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Adaptable and proactive, thriving in fast-paced and evolving program environments
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5 years of experience in automotive interior systems or accessories engineering
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Strong experience in system integration and component development
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Knowledge of plastic part design and injection molding
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Experience with component validation and testing processes
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Ability to read and work with CAD data (Catia V5 preferred)
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Experience with PLM systems and engineering change processes
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Understanding of regulatory requirements (FMVSS, NHTSA, etc.)
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Strong cross-functional coordination and communication skills
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Experience in multiple interior component areas (trim, storage systems, speaker integration, etc.)
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Catia V5 modeling skills
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Experience in startup or new vehicle development environments
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Familiarity with full APQP process
ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.
Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.
Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.