Design Release Engineer - Active Thermal Hardware

GM•Warren, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At General Motors, product teams are redefining mobility by creating vehicles and experiences designed to be felt, turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard with breakthrough hardware, battery systems, intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. The Design Release Engineer (DRE) for Active Thermal Hardware will lead the design, development, validation, and release of thermal management components and subsystems, including heat exchangers, cooling fans, fan shrouds, compressors, sensors, and associated hardware. This role involves cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and suppliers to ensure robust, cost-effective, and timely delivery of components meeting vehicle performance and integration requirements. Specific subsystem performance responsibilities include mechanical performance and impacts to coolant and refrigerant loop performance. This position requires a high level of technical expertise, independent judgment, and leadership in managing complex engineering projects, driving innovation, resolving technical challenges, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
Minimum 5 years of experience in component or subsystem design and release or other relevant areas.
Strong understanding of thermal systems, HVAC, and fluid handling components.
Proficiency in CAD (UGNX preferred), Teamcenter, and engineering analysis tools.
Experience with validation planning and execution.
Strong communication and project management skills.
Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis.

Nice To Haves

Prior GM experience with thermal or HVAC components.
Familiarity with GM tools and processes (ECM, PRTS, ECR, SOR, TWO, VDP, GD&T).
Experience with DRBFM, DFMEA, PFMEA, and GM Quality Chain.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes and vehicle integration.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and supplier management.
Thermal Systems Engineering Fundamentals Certification.
Familiarity with program timing system and Global Vehicle Development Process (GVDP) deliverables.
GM development, validation, and release experience.
Knowledge of GM test procedures and practices.
DFSS Green Belt Certification (Black Belt preferred).
GD&T Certification (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) training.
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) training or certification.
DRBFM (Design Review Based on Failure Mode) training.
CAD/CAE Tool Proficiency Certification (UGNX preferred).

Responsibilities

Lead product development activities for thermal components and subsystems.
Develop and release components to meet requirements, Statement of Requirements (SOR), Component Technical Specifications (CTS), Subsystem Technical Specifications (SSTS), and System of Requirements (SOR).
Conduct design studies, alternative analyses, and recommend direction based on cost, performance, mass, timing, and manufacturability.
Define Interface Control Document (ICD) requirements and negotiate with interfacing components.
Manage supplier relationships and ensure timely execution of deliverables.
Coordinate cross-functional activities with Purchasing, Supplier Quality, Validation, Calibration, Manufacturing, and Design teams.
Support and lead Product Development Team (PDT) meetings and peer reviews.
Ensures complete validation of released components and establishment of a validation plan.
Validate designs using analytical tools (e.g., FEA, CFD, modal analysis, virtual builds).
Ensure compliance with GM standards, best practices, and program imperatives.
Lead problem-solving efforts for production and launch issues.
Translate lessons learned into best practices and apply them in future designs.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies and support test and development programs.