Design and Release Engineer - Seat Plastics

General Motors • Warren, MI

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the selected candidate will be expected to work on-site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week (or other frequency determined by their manager). This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. The Design & Release Engineer (DRE) – Seat Plastics is responsible for the design, development, validation, and production release of injection-molded plastic seat components for front and rear seat systems. This role owns components from concept through launch, working closely with cross-functional teams and global Tier-1 seating suppliers to deliver high-quality, production-ready designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering is required
• Typically 4–8+ years of experience in automotive seating and/or interior plastic components
• Hands-on experience with injection-molded plastic part design
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, CATIA, or similar) and PLM systems
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, dimensional stack-ups, and tolerance management
• Experience working with Tier-1 suppliers on design, tooling, and launch
• Demonstrated problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills

Nice To Haves

• Seat-system experience across plastics, foam, structure, or mechanisms
• OEM or Tier-1 launch experience
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, DFMEA/PFMEA, and automotive quality systems
• Experience with craftsmanship, perceived quality, and squeak & rattle
• Exposure to EV platforms
• Ability to manage multiple programs in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end design and release of seat plastic components (e.g., trims, shields, closeouts, covers, bezels)
• Translate studio surfaces and vehicle packaging into manufacturable B-side designs (attachments, ribs, bosses, draft)
• Create, review, and release 3D CAD, 2D drawings, and BOMs in GM PLM systems (NX /Teamcenter)
• Lead DFMEA, DVP&R, validation, and PPAP activities with suppliers
• Serve as primary technical interface with Tier-1 seating suppliers for feasibility, tooling, validation, and launch
• Support virtual and physical builds (prototypes, validation, plant, launch)
• Drive issue resolution for fit/finish, appearance, squeak & rattle, and dimensional concerns
• Manage engineering changes with cost, mass, and timing impact assessment
• Identify and execute VA/VE opportunities without compromising performance or craftsmanship
• Ensure integration with seat structures, foam, airbags, wiring, and mechanisms
• Represent Seat Plastics in PDT meetings and design reviews

Benefits

• From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees