Automotive Interior Design Engineer

Overview

Who we are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the worlds most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. Were looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.

Who were looking for:

Toyota is looking for a passionate and highly motivated an Automotive Interior Design Engineer to join our dynamic DEV Automotive R&D team. The primary responsibility of this role is to design and develop interior parts, including instrument panels, door trims, and cabin trim areas. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative automotive designs that enhance user experience.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, of DEV (Design, Engineering, Vehicle) the person in this role will support the DEV department's objective to deliver exceptional customer experience and provide high-quality product design and develop interior parts including instrument panel, door trim, and cabin trim areas.

This onsite position is based in Saline, Michigan . The selected candidate will be expected to reside within commutable distance of this location.

What youll be doing

• Design Development : Coordinate and execute the complete design and development of assigned interior component parts to meet specifications and targets according to program schedules by following Toyota core processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative and user-friendly designs that enhance the overall vehicle experience.

• Engineering Analysis : Conduct thorough evaluations of design concepts, utilizing engineering principles to assess feasibility, manufacturability, and performance. Utilize CAD software to create detailed models and drawings. Create and modify development planning structure sections, 3D part models, and 2D drawings in CATIA for parts/areas of assignment, both independently and by leading a supplier engineer and/or CAD modeler.

• Material Selection : Demonstrate expertise in material properties and selection processes to ensure optimal performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness of interior components.

• Tooling and Manufacturing Processes : Benchmark, acquire data/evidence, and solve technical issues during the vehicle design, evaluation, and production process. Collaborate with manufacturing teams to understand and implement effective tooling and production processes. Provide input on design modifications to improve manufacturability and reduce production costs.

• Testing and Validation : Develop and execute testing protocols to validate design performance and compliance with industry standards. Analyze test results and iterate designs based on findings.

• Project Management : Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of design milestones. Communicate progress and challenges to stakeholders effectively. Identify, visualize, and manage open issues, create and manage schedules, and present design details & development status to management and executives regularly. Assess and adjust progress (develop and implement risk management) to maintain project target, i.e., schedule, performance, cost, quality.

• Continuous Improvement : Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in automotive interior design. Propose and implement improvements to design processes and methodologies. Actively participate in and contribute to cross-functional activities to achieve timely issue resolution with both design and downstream groups (i.e., performance, production manufacturing, supplier, etc.).

• Support and share Toyota core knowledge and best practices with other team members.

• Participate in improvement and reflection activities as required to improve group operations such as processes and morale.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you bring

• Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited engineering program (mechanical preferred).

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in component part or system design engineering, including demonstrated knowledge of tooling, manufacturing processes, evaluations, and material properties.

• Experience and demonstrated ability to independently create and develop planning sections, 3D parts models, and 2D drawings in CATIA/3DExperience.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively in teams and negotiate with related groups both inside and outside of Toyota.

• Experience working well in a development team environment.

• Ability to work overtime as needed to complete assigned tasks to meet deadlines (10-20%).

• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally to supplier and Toyota manufacturing locations.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Added Bonus if you have

• Experience designing and releasing parts at Toyota.

• Interior/Instrument Panel component part or system design engineering experience, including demonstrated knowledge of tooling, manufacturing processes, evaluations, and material properties.

What well bring

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement

• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount.

• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable).

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family

• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute

• Paid holidays and paid time off

• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools, and more

• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to talent.acquisition@toyota.com .