Design and Release Engineer - Interior Accessories

This role will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of interior accessories systems including cockpit storage bins, organizers, Cassette trim, trim covers, speaker mount, and other customer-facing accessory features for Slate vehicles. This role will be ensuring that product target performance and features, as well as FMVSS requirements, are met. 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 Slate’s quality, performance, and regulatory objectives are achieved and sustained throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Lead end to end integration of interior accessory component systems (instrument panel trim covers, speaker mounts, storage bins, Cassette trim and etc).
• Ensure packaging compatibility, interface alignment, and system level functionality.
• Lead interface with adjacent systems (cockpit, console, body structures, soft trim, electrical, and restraints).
• Work directly with our adjacent systems to ensure accessory components meet vehicle functional objectives.
• Conduct supplier and internal technical reviews to ensure packaging and design issues are addressed/resolved.
• Work with affected teams to ensure that accessories (removable trim covers, speaker system mounts, IP trim, and more) are properly accommodated by the cockpit and console 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 accessory component integration reviews for each component / system at required milestones.
• Engage with Studio, Body, Restraints, Design, Manufacturing, Safety, Vehicle Integration (NVH, Vehicle Dynamics), and Vehicle Evaluation and Verification to deliver robust accessory component systems to production that meet vehicle level performance and component requirements.
• Ensure validation of the accessories components, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing.
• Support prototype builds, DV/PV and launch readiness

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 Interior Accessories System engineering.
• Applications-specific experience in at least 3 of the following areas / components:
• Automotive Interior accessories integration or consumer product experience.
• Plastic part design and injection molding
• Interior plastic materials
• Interior component validation other 3rd party validation.
• Experience working with Catia V5 (opening and saving models / drawings, editing drawings, section cutting and taking measurements, etc.). Modeling skills are also a plus.
• 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 tradeoffs 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).

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.