Core Technical Engineer - Texture/Graining-Tech Specialist

We are seeking a highly skilled Advanced Texture / Mastering Specialist who will be responsible for all activity associated with advanced textures.

Responsibilities to include but not limited to:

• Creation & Mastering: Develop and master all textures, patterns, and finishes for Stellantis and joint-venture programs (interior, exterior, under hood) in collaboration with the Product Design Office (PDO) Global Mastering Studio and Stellantis Approved Texture Sources
• Specification Generation: Produce texture specifications (TD, MDA, TMR) and identification for the Corporate Texture Master database
• Support & Recommendations: Provide design direction and recommendations, leading the development of textures and surface finishes for PDO Studios during the Definition, Target Setting, and Technical Design & Development phases
• Texture Master Management: Lead, develop, approve, and release texture masters (plaques) and "match-to" master samples for PDO Studios. Validate texture performance characteristics for intended applications and release texture masters for distribution by external Stellantis master distribution partners
• On-Site Audits: Conduct on-site audits of tooling and assess the graining process at tooling shops as needed
• Catalog Maintenance: Maintain the corporate electronic catalog of texture patterns for FCA-US and assist in authoring, maintaining, and publishing the corporate Graining/Texturing Index for use by Engineering, PDO, and Suppliers, along with other related appearance standards
• Benchmarking: Perform benchmarking of competitors' textures and patterns
• Roadmap Support: Support the development and recommendation of the texture identification process
• Craftsmanship Studio Support: Assist the Stellantis Craftsmanship Studio with color, component craftsmanship and texture-related issues throughout various development phases. Work directly with vendors and suppliers on interior parts made from diverse materials, such as painted trim, soft trim (fabrics, vinyl, leather), hard trim (plastics), carpeting, and seating. Additionally, conduct limited assessments of exterior components

Basic Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in relevant technical discipline or equivalent industry experience
• 5 years of direct graining / texture experience, automotive experience preferred in color and materials quality audit experience a plus
• Direct knowledge of grain & texture creation processes for injection molding, grain roller tooling. Tooling industry experience a plus
• Must meet the requirements for Color Blindness & Color Vision Skill Test (HVC Color Test)
• Must excel in a team environment, including shared team responsibilities
• Must exhibit strong oral and written communication skills, strong problem-solving skills, and strong planning skills
• Must be able to work independently
• Strong leadership and interpersonal (soft people) skills
• Ability to summarize and present work to cross functional teams as well as senior management
• Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Office applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic to intermediate level of tooling/injection mold design and common graining processes
• Knowledge of part mark ups for surface approval and texture orientation/mapping
• Some experience/hands-on with interior color and quality reviews for variety of interior components including plastic, paint, fabric, vinyl, leather, etc. Also, Exterior plastic mold-in-color
• Possess ability and confidence to perform and review, approve, or reject part submission and give feedback with direction
• Working knowledge of automotive component suppliers, Appearance Approval Report (AAR) process, and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
• Familiarity with current automotive acronyms, language, and technical terminology