Design Release Engineer - Instrument Panel Structure

General Motors • Warren, MI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Design Release Engineer will develop instrument panel (IP) structures that support displays, electronics, and customer-facing features. The engineer serves as a technical authority for IP structures and leads engineering development, integration, validation, and launch, with attention to safety, quality, technical excellence, cost, mass, craftsmanship, performance, and execution. The role is categorized as hybrid and requires working on-site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week, or at another frequency determined by the manager. Travel is required as needed, and the posting states travel of less than 25%. The role is not eligible for relocation assistance. GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role.

The position leads design, development, analysis, integration, validation, and launch of IP structure subsystems across vehicle programs. It includes engineering evaluations, CAD and packaging oversight, manufacturing-process evaluation, cross-functional and supplier collaboration, issue and change management, and support for plant builds, supplier trials, validation events, audits, and launch. The engineer also contributes to enterprise initiatives involving CAE-driven design, virtual execution, automation, accelerated development, supply chain improvement, and global standards.

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.
• Obtain 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.
• Must not require GM immigration-related sponsorship now or in the future.

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; travel is stated as less than 25%.

Benefits

• GM describes providing support for employee well-being at work and at home and directs applicants to its Total Rewards resources; specific benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior