Interior Systems Engineer

The Interior Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of seating systems, interior hard trim, instrument panel (IP), and console components for a vehicle program. This role owns component and system-level engineering from concept through production launch across multiple interior commodities, balancing comfort, safety, fit/finish, packaging, cost, and manufacturability targets. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience across seat structures, IP/console structure and trim, hard trim panels, and cross-functional coordination with suppliers, design studio, and vehicle-level teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field

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• 5+ years of experience in Automotive Interior Component Design (seats, IP, console, or hard trim)

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• Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE, NX, or similar)

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• Understanding of relevant FMVSS regulations for interior/occupant safety (FMVSS 201, 202a, 207, 210, 225)

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• Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and DFM/DFA principles

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• Familiarity with plastics, foams, and trim materials and their manufacturing processes (injection molding, foam-in-place, slush molding, etc.)

• Design seating systems (front, rear,) including seat frames, tracks, recliners, foam, and trim covers work with Tier 1 Suppliers

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• Manage seat track, recliner mechanism, and manual/power adjustment system design development with Tier 1

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Instrument Panel (IP) Design & Development

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• Design and release IP structure, substrate, and trim components, including IP carrier/cross-car beam interface

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• Integrate IP-mounted components: HVAC vents, gauge cluster/display housings, airbag chute (passenger air bag door), switches, and trim bezels

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• Support Class-A surface quality and grain/texture requirements in coordination with design studio

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• Manage IP-to-mating-part interfaces (windshield, cowl, steering column, console) for fit and gap/flush targets

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Console Design & Development

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• Design front console assembly, cupholders, and shifter/e-shifter integration

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• Integrate console-mounted electrical features: USB/power ports, wireless charging pads, switches, and trim finishes

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• Coordinate console attachment and interface with IP, seats, and floor structure

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Interior Hard Trim Design & Development

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• Design hard trim components: door trim panels, pillar trim , headliner, cowl side trim, scuff plates, and other trim

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• Develop attachment strategies (clips, fasteners, snap-fits) for hard trim components meeting NVH and serviceability requirements

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• Support trim integration with body-in-white, wiring harness routing, and speaker/electrical component packaging

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Materials, Appearance & Surface Quality (All Commodities)

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• Select and specify materials (plastics, foams, fabrics, leather, soft-touch coatings) meeting performance, cost

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• Support color, grain, and gloss (CGG) approval process with design studio and suppliers

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• Conduct fit-and-finish reviews: gaps, flushness, panel alignment, and squeak/rattle risk assessment across seats, IP, console, and hard trim

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Packaging & Ergonomics

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• Collaborate with human factors/ergonomics teams on seating position, H-point targets, IP reach/visibility, and console usability for the small SUV segment

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• Balance seating and storage package with cargo space, second-row flexibility, and rear legroom targets typical of small SUV competitive benchmarks

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• Conduct SAE J-series packaging studies (e.g., J826 H-point manikin, reach envelopes, sightline studies)

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• Support ingress/egress and driver visibility studies specific to SUV ride height and seating position

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Safety & Compliance

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• Ensure seat designs meet FMVSS requirements (FMVSS 202a whiplash/head restraint, FMVSS 207 seat strength, FMVSS 210 seat belt anchorage, FMVSS 225 child seat anchorage/LATCH)

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• Ensure IP and console designs meet FMVSS 201 (occupant head impact protection) and low-speed knee bolster/knee impact requirements

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• Support occupant crash safety requirements (frontal, side, rear impact) in coordination with safety/restraints engineering, including airbag deployment chute design in the IP

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• Conduct/support sled testing, head-impact (HIC) testing, and CAE simulation (LS-DYNA or similar) for seat, IP, and knee bolster performance under crash loading

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• Ensure compliance with child seat LATCH system integration and accessibility requirements

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CAE & Simulation

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• Perform or coordinate structural CAE analysis for seat frame, IP structure, and console strength, durability, and crash performance

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• Support NVH analysis for squeak/rattle and vibration across seats, hard trim, IP, and console

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• Conduct foam compression set, plastic creep, and durability simulation/testing

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Testing & Validation

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• Develop and execute DVP&R test plans for seating, IP, console, and hard trim systems (structural, durability, comfort, climate)

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• Support physical testing: seat cycling/durability rigs, foam ILD testing, IP/console fascia durability, hard trim attachment pull-off testing

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• Conduct field issue root cause analysis and warranty data review across all interior commodities

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• Support squeak-and-rattle (S&R) testing and resolution across the full interior system

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Supplier & Cross-Functional Management

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• Manage Tier 1 suppliers across Seating, IP/console, and hard trim commodities on design, quality, and timing

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• Coordinate with body-in-white, electrical (wiring/switches/displays), safety/restraints, HVAC, and design studio teams on interface requirements

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• Support PPAP, supplier quality reviews, and production readiness activities

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• Participate in design reviews, DFMEA, and change control processes

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Cost & Program Management

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• Support cost target management and value engineering across seating, IP, console, and hard trim BOMs

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• Track program timing milestones and deliverables (concept, prototype builds, validation, launch) across multiple interior commodities

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• Support weight and complexity reduction initiatives balanced against comfort, appearance, and safety targets

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• Own interior and seating package, interfaces, component development, supplier coordination, prototype build support, issue resolution, and validation.

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Experience / Profile

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Meyers Manx embodies the quintessential California lifestyle-an odyssey marked by adventure, exploration, and an unwavering commitment to fun. With a legacy spanning over six decades, our name is synonymous with the spirit of sun-soaked landscapes and the visionary craftsmanship of our founder, Bruce Meyers. Today, as we chart a course into the future, Meyers Manx is not merely about vehicles; it’s about pioneering innovative, enjoyable products that encapsulate the very essence of our brand.

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Our story echoes with triumphs like conquering the Baja 1000-a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries. As we redefine our narrative, each product becomes a chapter in a continuing journey, seamlessly blending innovation with the timeless thrill of the Manx way. Join us in this exciting exploration where every creation reflects the enduring connection between Meyers Manx, California, and the enthusiasts who embrace life with the same spirit that has defined us for generations.