Design & Release Engineer - Interior Mechanisms

Position: Design & Release Engineer - Interior Mechanisms

Sector: Interior & Exterior Systems

Location: Troy Michigan, USA

*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the United States with either US Citizenship, Green Card, TN or E-3 Visa Holder Status*

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.

They are looking for a Design & Release Engineer - Interior Mechanisms to join their expanding team on a Contract basis. The role will be located in Troy Michigan, USA.

Who We Are Looking For:

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

• 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 3^rd 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).

Why work through Contechs?

Contechs is a strategic partner to the automotive industry, providing innovative design and engineering services to global OEMs, from concept to production.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance in the application process

How to Apply

If you're interested in applying for this position, submit your application and one of our recruiters will be in touch.