Design Release Engineer, Body Interior- Soft Trim Engineer

Design Release Engineer, Body Interior- Soft Trim EngineerLong Beach, CaliforniaYou will be a key contributor within a world-class automotive interior trim engineering team, responsible for the development and delivery of soft interior trim components. This role focuses on material engineering, surface application, detail design, and launch execution, working closely with design, color and materials, vehicle engineering, and supplier partners to deliver premium interior solutions from concept through production.Key ResponsibilitiesContribute to the development of high-quality soft interior trim components delivering on luxury, tactile feel, craftsmanship, safety, ergonomics, and long-term durabilityLead or support the engineering, packaging, release, and launch of soft trim components including wrapped panels, seat surrounds, soft-touch IP skins, armrests, and textile-based linersTranslate interior design and CMF intent into production-feasible, manufacturable soft trim constructions that maintain design fidelity through tooling and process variationDefine and manage material and construction specifications including substrate, foam, skin, and adhesive systems; oversee layered construction feasibilityManage component-level DFMEA, DVPR, boundary diagrams, and robustness checklists through design and release milestonesWork cross-functionally with CMF, design, vehicle engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams to maintain craftsmanship intent and timingCollaborate closely with soft trim suppliers to ensure process capability, grain and texture consistency, cost targets, and on-time deliverySupport durability and environmental testing validation including UV resistance, thermal cycling, abrasion, and seam strengthPerform and support DFM assessments for slush molding, vacuum forming, sewing and bonding operations, and related soft trim processesSupport prototype builds, buck reviews, and resolution of surface, seam, and texture quality findingsApply and continuously improve engineering tools, methods, and best practices to support accelerated product developmentRequired Qualifications4+ years' experience in automotive soft interior trim engineering (wrapped panels, soft IP, door armrests, textile liners, etc.)Strong understanding of soft trim material systems, manufacturing processes (slush molding, vacuum forming, sewing, lamination), and DFM principlesProficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools for surface definition and packagingExperience supporting vehicle or product launches, including supplier readiness and pre-production build supportFamiliarity with DFMEA, DVPR, and soft trim quality documentation processesNice to Have / AdvantageousOwnership of at least one full program lifecycle from concept through SOPExperience in a fast-paced OEM or startup EV environmentDeep knowledge of soft trim construction methods including grain tooling, hide matching, sewing patterns, and foam tuning for tactile performanceUnderstanding of material aging, light fastness, and chemical resistance requirements per OEM specificationsExperience with CMF alignment process including grain sampling, color approval, and texture sign-offKnowledge of airbag deployment zones and seamless airbag door integration within soft trim assembliesHands-on, practical engineering mindset with strong attention to surface quality and material behaviorExcellent communication skills with the ability to work across design studios, CMF teams, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliersPassion for craftsmanship and premium interior material executionSalary Range: $120,000-$140,000/KThe actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience