Scope of Role
We are seeking a skilled Interior Rationalization and Quality Technical Lead to join our customer's automotive design and manufacturing team. This role focuses on optimizing interior component design, standardizing materials and processes, and ensuring superior quality standards across all vehicles interior systems. The ideal candidate will drive cost-effective solutions while maintaining the highest standards of customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
Interior Rationalization
- Develop and implement rationalization strategies for interior components, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Analyse current interior designs to identify opportunities for part consolidation, standardization, and modularization.
- Collaborate with design teams to create platform-based interior solutions that reduce complexity while maintaining brand differentiation.
- Brainstorming and idea generation: Facilitating creative workshops and brainstorming sessions with cross-functional teams and suppliers to generate alternative ideas and innovative solutions for achieving better value at lower costs.
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis for interior component rationalization initiatives and identify areas for improvement in product design, manufacturing processes, and overall project execution.
- Work with suppliers to standardize materials, fasteners, and manufacturing processes across multiple vehicle platforms.
- Lead cross-functional teams to implement rationalization projects from concept through production.
- Lead assessing the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential impact of proposed solutions, developing detailed plans, and potentially creating prototypes or models.
- Coordinate with Suppliers, CAE, Testing Teams for detail verification and validation of requirements.
- Secure all deliverables and documentation as per NPD stages.
- Establish and maintain quality standards for all interior components including seating, dashboard, door panels, headliners, and trim pieces.
- Develop and execute comprehensive quality control plans for interior systems.
- Conduct quality audits and inspections throughout the manufacturing process.
- Implement corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes for interior quality issues.
- Monitor key quality metrics and prepare detailed reports for management.
- Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001) and regulatory requirements.
- Documentation for component and system (DFMEA, Design reviews, DPR & ESOW, DV PV Plan etc).
- Project management – Milestone deliveries, Cost Management for components in ownership, PPAP.
- Identify and eliminate waste in interior manufacturing processes using Lean Six Sigma methodologies, Failure Analysis and Resolution Techniques.
- Optimize production workflows to improve efficiency and reduce defects.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for interior quality processes.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to implement design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) and services principles.
- Analyzing product and process costs, including materials, labour, and overhead, to identify cost drivers and prepare business case.
- Generate and share Quote One Pager (QoP) with suppliers and follow up.
- Provide technical support and training to suppliers on quality requirements.
- Work closely with interior component suppliers to ensure quality standards are met.
- Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments.
- Develop supplier quality agreements and performance metrics.
- Manage supplier corrective actions and improvement programs.
Technical Skills
- Bachelor Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- 8-10 years' work experience with vehicle interior System and components
- Knowledge of automotive interior materials (plastics, fabrics, leather, composites).
- Knowledge of product development stages, Technical Logical Delivery Plan.
- Software Proficiency - CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar), Teamcenter PLM and KDP, PCT, PECCA, TC PLM Visview, VIRA.
- Understanding of manufacturing processes for interior components (injection moulding, thermoforming, sewing, etc.)
- Experience with quality tools and methodologies (SPC, PPAP, FMEA, 8D problem solving).
- Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma principles and tools.
- Knowledge of automotive testing standards and procedures.
- BOM Management EBOM and Material BOM with Team Center/KDP experience.
- Competence in technical specifications e.g. 2D/3D drawings, GD&T, and attribute sign off. Documentation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills.
- Effective communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
- Detail-oriented with strong attention to quality.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Tata Technologies: Engineering a better world.
Report job
