Design Release Engineer - Interiors - GM Defense

GM•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

GM Defense is seeking an Interior Design Release Engineer to independently own the design, development, testing, release, and continuous improvement of vehicle cockpit systems and components, including Instrument Panels, Floor Consoles, Overhead and Hard Trim, Door Trim, and Seats. The role converts customer and program requirements into robust, manufacturable, serviceable, and validated solutions. The engineer works cross-functionally with engineering, program, design studio, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and customers. The position involves navigating ambiguity and changing requirements, making decisions with incomplete information, and driving issues to closure throughout the product lifecycle—from concept and design through build, validation, launch, and field support. The role also includes periodic work at the Milford Proving Grounds and travel as required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a similar discipline.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in interior systems, such as Instrument Panels, Floor Consoles, Door Trim, Interior Garnish, and/or Seats.
Ability to independently own technical work from requirements through design, validation, release, build, and issue resolution.
Experience in design release engineering, product engineering, or a comparable automotive engineering role.
Experience taking components or systems through design, validation, change control, and production launch.
Ability to lead cross-functional technical problem-solving and work effectively with suppliers.
Strong communication, prioritization, and technical decision-making skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, make timely decisions with limited direction, and escalate risks appropriately.
Ability to quickly solve design and manufacturing issues as part of a cross-functional team.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and vehicle launch experience.
Ability to work periodically at the Milford Proving Grounds, travel as required, and legally operate a motor vehicle.
Must be a U.S. Person: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, or refugee.

Nice To Haves

Defense industry experience.
Familiarity with GM product development, engineering change, product data, and issue-management tools.
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
DFSS Black Belt Certification.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned interior systems and components from requirements definition through design, validation, release, launch, and continuous improvement.
Translate customer, vehicle, regulatory, and program requirements into engineering requirements and acceptance criteria.
Define and maintain component requirements, Statements of Requirements (SORs), interface documentation, engineering criteria, and product data.
Lead integration with adjacent vehicle systems and resolve packaging, fit-and-finish, dimensional, functional, manufacturing, and serviceability concerns.
Lead design reviews, technical decisions, interface control activities, and engineering documentation, including specifications, bills of material, design data, and release packages.
Guide supplier design and execution; review technical proposals, risk analyses, validation evidence, and production readiness.
Lead or coordinate DFMEA, DRBFM, design reviews, structured problem-solving, and corrective-action closure across related components.
Manage engineering changes, release documentation, component content, and program timing through applicable GM processes and systems.
Drive readiness for prototype, pre-production, and launch builds; coordinate issue triage and recovery plans with cross-functional teams.
Communicate subsystem status, trade-offs, risks, and decisions to engineering and program leadership.
Coach peers and less-experienced engineers and help reuse lessons learned across programs.