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 Stellantis 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, 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 Stellantis systems (e.g., part numbers, BOMs, drawings, 3D data etc).
• Coordinate with suppliers on design proposals, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, timing plans, and cost/feasibility studies; drive robust design solutions that meet Stellantis 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 open issue lists.
• Benchmark competitive seat comfort technologies and contribute to Stellantis seating innovation roadmaps for thermal comfort and wellbeing.