Design and Release Engineer - Interior - Trim/Lighting

The role

The Interior Lighting Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and release of ambient, functional, and decorative interior lighting systems. This includes components like LED modules and light guides, as well as system-level integration with cockpit elements.

What you will do

• Lead supplier design activities and design reviews.
• Define, track, and deliver quality, cost, timing, and performance objectives for interior lighting systems.
• Work with advanced engineering and design studios to establish lighting architecture and aesthetic integration.
• Act as the regional engineering lead for all interior lighting components and systems.
• Create and maintain DFMEAs, boundary diagrams, parameter diagrams, interface matrices, and DVP&Rs.
• Ensure integration and compatibility of lighting systems with surrounding interior components and vehicle networks.
• Conduct benchmarking, competitive analysis, and technology scouting.
• Support warranty, quality, and customer satisfaction initiatives.
• Drive cost optimization and efficient investment strategies.
• Provide technical input during the RFQ and sourcing processes.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering (ABET-accredited).
• 5–7+ years of automotive engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of component integration, GD&T, and system packaging.
• Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools (NX, CATIA, Teamcenter).
• Experience with lighting test methods (photometric, colorimetry, durability) and lab validation equipment.
• Familiarity with LIN/CAN network communications and lighting ECU interaction.
• Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated use of reactive problem-solving tools.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage suppliers in a global development environment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Nice to have

• interior lighting or mechatronic/electronic component experience
• Knowledge of LED, OLED, and emerging lighting technologies
• optical design and validation experience
• Familiarity with systems and release processes

Benefits

• mentorship
• career growth opportunities
• comprehensive benefits

Before you apply

• All candidates selected will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.

About the company

ALTEN Technology USA is an engineering company with 3,000+ experts across North America. It is part of the global ALTEN Group which has 57,000+ engineers in 30 countries.