Senior Interior Trim Engineer

Senior Interior Trim Engineer 12 Month Contract Location: Southfield, Michigan Role Overview You will be a key contributor within a world‑class automotive interior trim engineering team, responsible for the development and delivery of hard and soft interior trim components. This role focuses on mechanical engineering, detail design, packaging, and launch execution, working closely with design, vehicle engineering, and supplier partners to deliver premium interior solutions from concept through production. This is an engineering role focused on interior trim components and does not include interior styling, CMF, or electrical systems. Key Responsibilities Contribute to the development of high‑quality interior trim components delivering on luxury, craftsmanship, performance, safety, ergonomics, and functionality Lead or support the engineering, packaging, release, and launch of interior trim components across the client's vehicle portfolio Translate interior design intent into production‑feasible, manufacturable solutions Work cross‑functionally with design, vehicle engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams, prioritising overall vehicle performance and timing Collaborate closely with interior trim suppliers to ensure technical excellence, cost targets, and on‑time program delivery Perform and support DFM, tolerance studies, and technical feasibility assessments Apply and continuously improve engineering tools, methods, and best practices to support accelerated product development Required Qualifications 4+ years' experience in automotive interior trim or components engineering (hard trim, soft trim, IP, door trims, consoles, headliners, etc.) Strong understanding of automotive interior packaging, component integration, and DFM principles Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 (or equivalent CAD tools) Experience supporting vehicle or product launches, including supplier and manufacturing readiness Nice to Have / Advantageous Experience working in a fast‑paced OEM or startup environment Ownership of at least one full program lifecycle from concept through production/SOP Deep technical knowledge of interior trim systems with a proven record of execution Strong understanding of: Plastic part design and structural performance Injection molding and manufacturing processes Craftsmanship, fit & finish, ergonomics, safety, and homologation requirements Competency in materials selection, GD&T, and tolerance analysis Hands‑on, practical engineering mindset with strong problem‑solving skills Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders Passion for developing exceptional automotive interiors Top 3 Hard Skills (Required) 4+ years of experience engineering automotive interior trim components (hard & soft trim) 4+ years of demonstrated knowledge of interior components, industry benchmarks, trends, and supplier capabilities 4+ years of experience defining and managing technical specifications, timelines, and deliverables in support of accelerated development toward SOP