Seat Heat Vent System Release Engineer

ALTEN Technology USA•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. 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.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership skills, ability to work autonomously, excellent communication skills, positive attitude, willingness to learn, flexibility, team-player, and attention to detail.
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/cooled seat systems, including interaction with foam, trim, HVAC, Modules and seat structures.
Working knowledge of engineering fundamentals in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and/or HVAC integration.
Prior experience in a Design Release Engineer (DRE) or System Responsible Engineer role at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier
Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (CATIA, NX, or equivalent) for packaging and design review (detailed design experience is a plus).
Experience with standard engineering tools and processes: DFMEA, DVP&R, root cause analysis, design reviews, and problem-solving methodologies.
Experience with global project management and leading cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

detailed design experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Own the design and release of seat heating and ventilation components and systems (heatermats, blowers, plenums, foam interfaces, harnesses, etc.) 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 complete/structures and foam, ensuring compliance with ergonomics, safety, comfort, manufacturability, and serviceability requirements.
Create and maintain engineering documentation in Client systems (e.g., part numbers, BOMs, drawings, 3D dataetc).
Coordinate with suppliers on design proposals, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, timing plans, and cost/feasibility studies; drive robust design solutions that meet Client performance targets.
Plan and execute validation activities for seat heat & ventilation systems, including thermal performance testing, durability, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
Analyze test data, identify root cause of issues, and drive corrective actions and design changes to closure.
Support vehicle builds (mules, pilots, PPAP, launch) by resolving fit, finish, function, and electrical/thermal performance issues in a timely manner.
Collaborate with Electrical, HVAC, HMI, Body, and Vehicle Integration teams to ensure seamless system operation, proper network communication (LIN/CAN), and robust control strategies.
Manage engineering changes (CNs/ECNs), cost reductions, and quality improvements for in-production programs.
Support functional safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements as applicable (thermal safety, occupant comfort and health, electrical safety, etc.).
Track and report program status, risks, and open issues to management and program teams; maintain clear and organized openissue lists.
Benchmark competitive seat comfort technologies and contribute to Client seating innovation roadmaps for thermal comfort and wellbeing.