Studio Engineer - Interior

We are seeking an Automotive Interior Studio Engineer

The Automotive Interior Studio Engineer bridges the gap between creative interior design and engineering feasibility. This role requires close collaboration with Interior Design, UX/HMI, Lighting, and Engineering teams to deliver aesthetically compelling, technically feasible, and production-ready interior concepts.

The ideal candidate ensures that interior styling intent — including advanced ambient lighting and smart surface concepts — is preserved while meeting technical, safety, regulatory, packaging, and manufacturing requirements.

What you will do:

Interior Design Development & Feasibility

• Work closely with Interior Design teams to translate 2D sketches and digital concepts into feasible 3D CAD models.
• Provide early engineering input on interior components such as IP, console, door trims, seats, trim parts, ambient lighting elements, decorative parts, displays, and HMI systems.
• Evaluate feasibility considering package constraints, structural interfaces, airbag integration, HVAC routing, wiring, electronics integration, and manufacturing processes.
• Conduct feasibility studies and propose alternative solutions to protect and maintain interior design intent.
• Optimize interior components for manufacturability (injection molding, slush molding, wrapping, decoration technologies, assembly).

Interior Ambient Lighting & Smart Surfaces

• Lead feasibility evaluation and engineering integration of interior ambient lighting systems, including:
  • Indirect lighting concepts
  • Light behind surfaces (hidden light sources)
  • Uniform light distribution and hot-spot prevention
  • Light guides, diffusers, and optical management
• Support development of hidden-until-lit (HUL) and backlit decorative surfaces.
• Evaluate material translucency, grain structures, and surface textures for light performance and aesthetic consistency.
• Support integration of Smart Surfaces, including:
  • Capacitive touch integration
  • Haptic feedback interfaces
  • Functional integration within decorative trims
  • Seamless sensor and lighting integration
• Ensure robustness regarding thermal behaviour, light leakage, tolerance stack-up, and long-term quality.

Technical Collaboration

• Act as the interface between Interior Studio and engineering departments (interior systems, electronics, lighting, safety, packaging, tooling, suppliers).
• Support design reviews with structured technical assessments and risk evaluations.
• Provide constructive technical feedback while protecting creative intent.
• Facilitate problem-solving workshops to resolve conflicts between styling, lighting integration, smart surface functionality, and engineering constraints.
• Support prototype builds, interior bucks, and validation models.

CAD & Surface Development

• Work extensively with 3D CAD data (CATIA) to analyze interior surfaces, verify clearances, gap & flush targets, and interface conditions.
• Perform surface quality analysis (G0, G1, G2 continuity) to ensure aesthetic surface integrity.
• Validate interface conditions between decorative surfaces, lighting modules, electronics, and structural carriers.
• Ensure digital data accuracy for downstream development, tooling, and suppliers.
• Support design freeze and engineering handover milestones.

Interior Packaging & Ergonomics

• Develop and maintain interior packaging studies (occupant packaging, reach zones, H-point validation, visibility studies).
• Ensure compliance with ergonomic standards, safety regulations, and homologation requirements.
• Validate interior clearances for airbags, head impact zones, knee clearance, and regulatory constraints.
• Support HMI positioning and driver information visibility requirements.

Innovation & Compliance

• Stay updated on emerging interior trends including:
  • Advanced ambient lighting concepts
  • Sustainable materials
  • Smart surfaces and integrated electronics
  • Minimalistic and seamless design architectures
• Ensure compliance with global safety, ergonomic, and lighting-related regulations.
• Identify process improvements in studio-to-engineering workflows.

What you will bring :

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in Automotive Interior Studio Engineering.
• Proven experience in interior feasibility development including ambient lighting and smart surface integration.
• Portfolio demonstrating involvement in interior surface development, packaging studies, lighting integration, or smart surface projects is a strong plus.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in CATIA.
• Familiarity with Alias and/or ICEM Surf is a strong plus.
• Strong understanding of automotive interior systems (IP, console, door trims, seats, HMI, ambient lighting, trim parts).
• Strong knowledge of interior ambient lighting systems, optical principles, light guides, and backlit surfaces.
• Experience with Smart Surfaces, capacitive touch systems, hidden-until-lit concepts, and electronic integration in trim parts.
• Knowledge of interior manufacturing processes (injection molding, slush molding, wrapping, IMD/IML, PVD, painting, soft trim processes).
• Understanding of interior safety regulations (airbag integration, head impact, FMVSS/ECE requirements).
• Strong knowledge of ergonomics and vehicle interior packaging.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to bridge creative design and technical engineering disciplines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs in a fast-paced studio environment.
• High attention to detail and passion for premium interior design execution.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required (Chinese is a plus).
• Willingness to travel (especially to China) and accommodate overtime when required.

What we offer :

• Competitive Salary: Reflecting your skills and experience. 
• Hybrid Working: Flexibility to work both remotely and in the office. 
• Health & Wellness: Access to the Wellhub Pass for your well-being. 
• Employee Development: Learning opportunities and training programs to support your career growth. 
• Transport Support: Deutschland ticket or fuel card. 
• Meal Allowance: For lunch at the canteen. 
• Gifts: Celebratory gifts for work anniversaries and Chinese New Year. 
• Company Events: Regular team-building and social activities. 
• Optional Company Pension Scheme: Available based on your needs. 
• Inclusive Culture: A diverse, supportive environment where every voice is valued. 

Thank you for considering joining our team! We look forward to hearing from you and hope you become a part of our company. If you are interested in the position, please apply now. We are excited about the possibility of working together to create a bright future!