Development Lead – Interior Doors & Console
Location: North America
Organization: Interior Engineering – Cockpit
The Development Lead – Interior Doors & Console will:
Lead the design, development, validation, and launch of Interior Door Trim and Floor Console systems for assigned vehicle programs. This role is responsible for ensuring subsystem performance, cost, quality, timing, and manufacturability targets are achieved while also supporting the development and growth of engineering talent within the organization.
The position combines strong technical leadership with people development responsibilities and cross-functional coordination.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead full lifecycle development of Door and Console systems from concept through production.
- Own subsystem technical performance including durability, Squeak & Rattle, crash, craftsmanship, ergonomics, and regulatory compliance.
- Develop and manage DFMEA, DVP&R, risk assessments, and validation plans.
- Drive structured problem solving and root cause analysis using established methodologies (5-Why, Red X, KT, etc.).
- Coordinate engineering deliverables to support program milestones and executive reviews.
- Interface with Design Studio, Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, and Validation teams.
- Lead supplier technical reviews, APQP activities, and ensure design for manufacturability.
- Support plant and supplier visits for issue resolution and launch readiness.
- Drive cost reduction and value optimization initiatives.
People Development Responsibilities:
- Mentor and coach engineers across varying experience levels.
- Provide input into performance evaluations and development plans.
- Promote technical rigor and continuous improvement within the discipline.
- Support knowledge sharing and lessons learned across programs.
- Assist in building technical capability and bench strength within Interior Engineering.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
- Minimum of 8 years of automotive interior engineering experience.
- Experience in development of Door Trim and/or Floor Console systems.
- Knowledge of plastics design, injection molding, and interior assembly processes.
- Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Ability to travel to assembly plants and supplier facilities as required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leading subsystem development through full vehicle program lifecycle.
- Prior experience mentoring or leading engineers.
- Experience with cost reduction and value optimization initiatives.
- Proficiency in NX preferred; CATIA acceptable for design evaluation and packaging.
- Strong understanding of APQP and manufacturing processes.
- Experience working in a global engineering environment.
