Design Release Engineer - Instrument Panel Structure

General Motors•Warren, MI

3d•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 At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale. As an Interior Design Release Engineer, you will help develop the instrument panel (IP) structures that support the displays, electronics, and customer-facing features people see and interact with every day. You will serve as a technical authority for IP structures, leading engineering development, integration, validation, and launch with a focus on safety, quality, technical excellence, cost, mass, craftsmanship, performance, and flawless execution.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related Engineering.
At least five years of experience developing steel, magnesium, or aluminum IP structures from product definition through launch. Experience with other components using these materials may also be considered.
Demonstrated ownership of subsystem development, issue resolution, and delivery to vehicle development milestones.
Detailed knowledge of IP structure performance requirements, applicable regulations, vehicle integration, component design, and design for manufacturability and automation.
Experience with DFMEA/DRBFM, ADVP&R or validation plans, ICDs, PFMEA collaboration, CAD workflows, and release processes.
Strong partnership with CAE, including Safety Performance, to validate designs and drive data-based decisions.
Strong project management, communication, problem-solving, and influencing skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and escalate risks appropriately.
Design for Six Sigma (DfSS) Green Belt certification within one year and Black Belt certification within two years of hire.
Proficiency with CAD and visualization tools such as NX, VisMockup, or similar; Microsoft or Google Workspace; and applicable AI tools.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering.
Ten to fifteen years of automotive or transportation engineering experience.
DfSS Black Belt certification or higher.
Concept math creation experience using NX or a similar CAD tool.

Responsibilities

Lead design, development, analysis, integration, validation, and launch of IP structure subsystems across vehicle programs.
Develop concepts and perform engineering evaluations using DFMEA, DRBFM, ICDs, PFMEA, CAE, and safety performance analysis.
Package components and manage CAD development through GM or supplier designers; ensure design best practices and lead peer reviews.
Evaluate manufacturing processes including welded steel stampings, magnesium die castings, and hybrid plastic/metal overmolding.
Collaborate with Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints, Creative Design, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers, and other partner organizations.
Lead Product Development Team activities, track and resolve issues, and communicate progress, risks, decisions, and impacts.
Balance cost, part count, mass, complexity, timing, content, and customer-driven requirements while supporting configuration work and continuous improvement.
Support Statement of Requirements development and lead Statements of Work; partner with CAE on FEA and robust design decisions.
Apply benchmarking to guide competitive design direction, BOM strategies, features, and content.
Lead change management using clear problem statements, alternatives, quantified impacts, decisions, and approvals.
Maintain disciplined documentation, risk assessments, lessons learned, and engineering read-across.
Lead plant builds, supplier trials, DV/PV events, craftsmanship audits, and launch activities with an on-time, quality-focused mindset.
Contribute to enterprise initiatives involving CAE-driven design, virtual execution, automation, accelerated development, supply chain improvement, and global standards.
Travel as needed during development, integration, and launch activities.