Design Release Engineer - Side Closures

General Motors•Warren, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. The Role The candidate will be responsible for leading the design, engineering, and release of innovative door hardware components that serve as corporate common parts across multiple vehicle programs. In the role of Vehicle Hardware DRE, the candidate will apply creativity, initiative, and a high level of independent judgment while collaborating closely with Supplier Integrated Engineers, Program DREs, Technical Specialists, and cross‑functional partners including Studio, Interiors, and Electrical SMTs. This position oversees all design‑release workstreams for corporate common hardware components, including leading PDTs with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of all program requirements. The role requires coordination with both Program DREs and the Corporate Common Component team to align on all technical and program imperatives. The hardware team’s scope includes all closure‑related latching systems, inside and outside handles, and may span a mix of commodities across these areas.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering
5+ years of experience as DRE or equivalent or comparable new product development
Execution of vehicle development cycles for systems and subsystems (concept through production launch)
Excellent program management skills
Demonstrated problem solving abilities
Working knowledge of global regulations
Excellent physics-based problem-solving skills
Experience working with overseas automotive OEM's and suppliers
Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Experience leading cross functional teams

Nice To Haves

2-5 years minimum experience working with the studio creative design process from concept to production
Training in manufacturing assembly processes
Experience in fixture design and product validation
Green or Black Belt DFSS certification and Red X Journeyman
GM Vehicle CAR and Truck program knowledge
Demonstrated problem solving capabilities
Working knowledge of E2
Working knowledge of GPDS

Responsibilities

Manage all design release workstreams for their vehicle hardware components. The team is responsible for all closure latching systems, inside handles and outside handles. The role may include more than one commodity
Develop Statement of Requirements (SORs) for Sourcing
Lead and Support PDT team for component/subsystems (suppliers, designers, engineers, imperatives, parts list, validation, manufacturing, supplier quality, DFMEA, etc.)
Perform appropriate studies/alternatives, and support program direction based upon cost, mass, timing, DFMEA, and other program imperatives
Support and work with the Corporate common team for all business case items and workstreams related to their parts
Support/lead design and technical reviews to ensure 100 percent design fidelity and all best practices are met
Create Interface Control Documents (ICD) requirements for component and subsystem interfaces.
Negotiate and obtain agreement with interfacing components and peers
Write ECRs to release parts and changes into the GM system
Support and follow all corporate common components strategies, cost approval discussions, and release processes
Release Production Design, on time with quality, to meet program all required program milestones/deliverables
Communicate information to and from internal and external customer organizations