ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Automotive Trim Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company

Manager - Paint and Trim

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Leveraging your expertise in automotive design/engineering and prototyping techniques you will have ... Trim * Lead a team of prototype technologists to deliver high fidelity physical prototypes on time ...

Venteon

Engineering Manager - Trim

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$150K/yr

Experience launching automotive programs Benefits of the Engineering Manager * Competitive salary ... Leads trim product development for a seating business unit. * Leads trim design reviews and open ...

Venteon

Engineering Manager - Trim

Plymouth, MI · On-site

Experience launching automotive programs Benefits of the Engineering Manager * Competitive salary ... Leads trim product development for a seating business unit. * Leads trim design reviews and open ...

Ford Motor Company

Manager - Paint and Trim

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$115K - $218K/yr

Leveraging your expertise in automotive design/engineering and prototyping techniques you will have ... Trim * Lead a team of prototype technologists to deliver high fidelity physical prototypes on time ...

JVIS

Mechanical Engineer

Shelby Township, MI · On-site

Hard Trim/Soft Trim engineering experience is mandatory. Must have plant launch experience with ... Automotive experience a plus. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are ...

JVIS

Mechanical Engineer

Shelby Township, MI

Hard Trim/Soft Trim engineering experience is mandatory. Must have plant launch experience with ... Automotive experience a plus. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are ...

JVIS USA LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Shelby, MI · On-site

Hard Trim/Soft Trim engineering experience is mandatory. Must have plant launch experience with ... Automotive experience a plus. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomotive JobsAuto Manufacturing JobsAutomotive Manufacturer JobsAutomotive Trim Engineer Jobs

Automotive Trim Engineer information

See salary details

$12

$55

$80

How much do automotive trim engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive trim engineer in the United States is $55.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive trim engineer do?

An Automotive Trim Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing the interior and exterior trim components of vehicles. These components include items like seats, dashboards, door panels, carpets, and other decorative or functional elements inside a car. The role involves working closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure that trim parts meet safety, durability, and aesthetic standards. Trim engineers also address issues related to material selection, fit and finish, and cost optimization throughout the product development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive trim engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Trim Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and product design, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), knowledge of manufacturing processes, and familiarity with quality standards like ISO/TS 16949 are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and manage complex projects. These qualifications and skills are crucial for designing high-quality automotive interiors that meet safety, aesthetic, and cost requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by automotive trim engineers during new vehicle development?

Automotive Trim Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing design aesthetics with manufacturability and cost constraints, ensuring trim components meet strict durability and safety standards, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to address fit and finish issues. They must also manage supplier interactions to resolve quality concerns and adapt to last-minute design changes that can impact timelines. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these complexities and deliver high-quality interior and exterior trim components on schedule.

What is the difference between Automotive Trim Engineer vs Automotive Interior Designer?

AspectAutomotive Trim EngineerAutomotive Interior Designer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Industrial, or Automotive EngineeringBachelor's in Industrial Design, Interior Design, or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, engineering labs, R&D departmentsDesign studios, automotive showrooms, client meetings
Industry UsageFocuses on material selection, durability, and manufacturing processesFocuses on aesthetics, user experience, and interior layout

Automotive Trim Engineers primarily work on the technical aspects of vehicle interior components, ensuring durability and manufacturability. Automotive Interior Designers focus on the visual and functional design of vehicle interiors. Both roles require specialized skills but differ in their focus areas within the automotive industry.

More about Automotive Trim Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Automotive Trim Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Automotive Trim Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Automotive Trim Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Automotive Trim Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Trim Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Trim Engineer jobs are:

Automotive Trim Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Trim Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.

Design Release Engineer(Soft Trim/Interior)

ALTEN Technology USA

Auburn Hills, MI

$38 - $43.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Key Responsibilities
  • Own and manage the design, development, integration, and release of automotive Soft Trim Interior components, including Soft Trim, Cargo, Carpet, Frunk, and related interior trim components, from concept through production launch.
  • Develop and maintain parametric 3D models and engineering designs using NX, ensuring designs meet packaging, functional, dimensional, appearance, and manufacturability requirements.
  • Collaborate with design, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and external suppliers to ensure components meet program milestones, cost targets, material requirements, and vehicle functional objectives.
  • Work closely with suppliers to develop and release components, review supplier designs, resolve technical issues, and ensure manufacturing feasibility and production readiness.
  • Develop and manage CBOM, Quadris, Source Packages, and other technical documentation required for component and subassembly release.
  • Lead technical reviews with suppliers and internal client teams and ensure engineering deliverables are completed according to program timing.
  • Develop, manage, and track DVP&R, DFMEA, PFMEA, and other engineering validation activities, including coordination of component and vehicle-level physical testing.
  • Support vehicle plant launch activities, including troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of assembly issues, build variation, BSR (Buzz, Squeak & Rattle), fit and finish, dimensional variation, and other launch-gating concerns.
  • Drive corrective and preventive actions with suppliers and cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing and vehicle integration issues.
  • Ensure designs comply with engineering standards, material requirements, vehicle performance targets, quality requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Manage project status, technical risks, timing, and deliverables and communicate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, suppliers, and program leadership.
  • Support continuous improvement of interior trim designs, manufacturing processes, quality, cost, and vehicle assembly performance.
Requirements / Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering field.
  • 5+ years of experience in automotive interior component development, with hands-on experience in Soft Trim, Cargo, Carpet, Frunk, or related interior trim components.
  • Direct experience with automotive Soft Trim component development, integration, supplier management, and production release strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in NX for parametric modeling and engineering design.
  • Experience with Teamcenter, Vis Pro, or other CAD/PLM systems.
  • Strong understanding of automotive interior materials, component construction, attachment methods, manufacturing processes, and supplier manufacturing capabilities.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, packaging, dimensional variation, fit and finish, and component integration.
  • Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R, validation testing, and engineering change/release processes.
  • Experience supporting vehicle plant launch, assembly troubleshooting, BSR, fit and finish, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions is highly preferred.
  • Experience working directly with automotive suppliers and manufacturing/plant teams.
  • Strong problem-solving, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Cargo, Carpet, Frunk, Soft Trim, floor systems, or other interior trim components.
  • Experience with automotive vehicle launches and plant support.
  • Experience with CBOM, Quadris, Source Packages, and OEM engineering release systems.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced automotive product development environment.
  • Commercial vehicle experience is a plus.

Apply