Seat Heat Vent System Release Engineer

Job Summary

The Seating Heat & Ventilation Design Release Engineer (DRE) is responsible for the end-to-end design, development, validation, and launch of heated and ventilated seat systems across Client vehicle programs. This role owns the technical definition, release, and ongoing quality performance of the seat thermal comfort features, working closely with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to deliver best-in-class customer comfort, quality, and value.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the design and release of seat heating and ventilation components and systems (heater mats, blowers, plenums, foam interfaces, harnesses) from concept through production.
• Develop and maintain component and system-level technical specifications, design documents, and engineering standards for heated and ventilated seating.
• Lead packaging and integration of heat and ventilation systems into seat structures and foam while ensuring compliance with ergonomics, safety, comfort, manufacturability, and serviceability requirements.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation in Client systems including part numbers, BOMs, drawings, and 3D data.
• Coordinate with suppliers on design proposals, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, timing plans, and cost/feasibility studies.
• Plan and execute validation activities including thermal performance testing, durability, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze test data, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions and design changes.
• Support vehicle builds including mules, pilots, PPAP, and launch activities.
• Collaborate with Electrical, HVAC, HMI, Body, and Vehicle Integration teams to ensure seamless system operation and proper LIN/CAN communication.
• Manage engineering changes, cost reductions, and quality improvements for production programs.
• Support functional safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Track and report program status, risks, and open issues.
• Benchmark competitive seat comfort technologies and contribute to innovation roadmaps.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in the automotive industry.
• Hands-on experience with heated, ventilated, or cooled seat systems.
• Working knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and HVAC integration.
• Prior experience in a Design Release Engineer (DRE) or System Responsible Engineer role.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as CATIA or NX.
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, root cause analysis, design reviews, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing global engineering projects.

Additional Information

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.
• Pre-employment drug screening is required as a condition of hire.