Exterior Trim Engineer - Irvine, CA

  • Irvine, CA
  • Posted 2 days ago | Updated 2 days ago

Overview

On Site
Depends on Experience
Contract - W2
Contract - 6 Month(s)
No Travel Required
Unable to Provide Sponsorship

Skills

3D Computer Graphics
Collaboration
Conflict Resolution
Feasibility Study
FOCUS

Job Details

< data-start="130" data-end="168">Job Title: Exterior Trim Engineer</>

Location: Irvine, CA

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Exterior Trim Engineer to support the design, development, and release of automotive exterior trim systems for passenger vehicles, including cars and SUVs. This role will function in a Design Responsible Engineer (DRE) capacity, owning components from concept through production while collaborating closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as DRE for automotive exterior trim components, owning design, development, and release activities.

  • Develop and execute exterior trim system requirements for cars and SUVs.

  • Complete and release exterior components, subsystems, and detailed designs, including bumpers, fascia, cladding, garnish, spoilers, and related trim parts.

  • Perform feasibility, packaging, and design studies to ensure manufacturability and vehicle integration.

  • Collaborate with exterior system and plastic component suppliers, supporting vehicle development milestones.

  • Support prototype, pre-production, and production build events, addressing design and quality issues as needed.

  • Apply strong knowledge of plastic part design and manufacturing processes to optimize cost, quality, and performance.

  • Ensure designs meet engineering, regulatory, quality, and timing requirements.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive exterior trim engineering, with a strong focus on bumper and exterior subsystem components.

  • In-depth knowledge of plastic manufacturing technologies (injection molding, tooling considerations, material selection).

  • Strong understanding of plastic tooling design and production constraints.

  • Hands-on experience with CATIA V6 for 3D design and detailing.

  • Proven experience performing packaging and feasibility studies.

  • Ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional vehicle engineering teams.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience supporting full vehicle development cycles from concept to launch.

  • Familiarity with automotive validation, build, and launch processes.

  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and documentation skills.

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