Exterior Execution Vehicle Systems Engineer

GM•Warren, MI

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Exterior Execution Vehicle Systems Engineer (VSE) serves as the chief integrator for Exterior Systems, including bumpers, grilles, exterior lighting, upper structures, and closures. This role owns exterior design intent and technical execution, ensuring subsystem decisions align with vehicle-level performance, quality, timing, and cost targets. As the voice of the Exterior SMT, the VSE partners closely with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Studio, Compartment Integration, Program Teams, and Performance & Validation to deliver a robust, on-time, and cost-competitive product. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, program stewardship, and the ability to influence across a complex, matrixed organization. Key Responsibilities System Integration & Program Leadership Own Exterior SMT coordination across systems, subsystems, and vehicle interfaces; define technical imperatives aligned to program targets and milestones. Technical Decision-Making & Problem Solving Lead structured problem solving, root-cause analysis, and trade-off decisions; define must-be-true conditions, set contingencies, and make timely decisions to protect program metrics. Vehicle-Level Technical Acumen Identify and resolve issues at both component and vehicle levels; balance customer experience, manufacturability, cost, and enterprise constraints through clear technical communication. Executive & Cross-Functional Communication Deliver concise, executive-ready updates (written, verbal, and visual); prioritize and tailor information for leaders, DREs, EGMs, and functional partners; clearly scope work for efficient execution. Influence, Negotiation & Alignment Align stakeholders with competing objectives; remove enterprise-level roadblocks; secure agreements with BOM leaders, GFLs, suppliers, and Program Teams. Planning, Prioritization & Risk Management Develop and manage 30/60/90-day and long-range plans; appropriately push back on scope; delegate effectively; identify and mitigate risks early. Cost, Budget & Imperative Management Lead Exterior SMT delivery to cost, quality, and timing targets along the VDP/GVDP glidepath; synthesize detailed inputs into credible forecasts and aggregate status. Engineering Execution & Supplier Readiness Drive design deliverables, benchmarking, cost management, HVI, interface requirements, and financial/quality imperatives; co-lead supplier selection, tooling kick-off, and PPAP readiness. Change, Validation & Launch Leadership Anticipate risk, lead engineering changes, and coordinate validation activities; support DREs and IRTs through development and vehicle launch. Engineering with Simplicity (EwS) & Innovation Champion EwS through simplification and standardization; develop and communicate a pipeline of Exterior SMT improvement ideas. Technology & Competitive Awareness Monitor emerging exterior technologies and competitive products; translate insights into design and execution strategies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline (Master’s preferred)
Minimum 5 years of experience as a Design Release Engineer within Exterior Systems (e.g., bumpers/fascias, lighting, glazing, mirrors, seals, ornamentation, aero, exterior finish)
Deep technical knowledge of Exterior components and vehicle-level integration
Proven executive-level communication and storytelling skills
Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and align cross-functional stakeholders
Strong track record of structured problem solving, risk management, and decisive execution
Experience managing program scope, timelines, budgets, and VDP/GVDP milestones
Results-driven mindset with demonstrated impact on EwS or other enterprise imperatives
Familiarity with GM Vehicle Program processes, tools, and deliverables
Consistent demonstration of GM Behaviors, including integrity, collaboration, resilience, accountability, and continuous learning

Nice To Haves

Master’s preferred
Lead DRE experience in Exterior Systems strongly preferred

Responsibilities

System Integration & Program Leadership Own Exterior SMT coordination across systems, subsystems, and vehicle interfaces; define technical imperatives aligned to program targets and milestones.
Technical Decision-Making & Problem Solving Lead structured problem solving, root-cause analysis, and trade-off decisions; define must-be-true conditions, set contingencies, and make timely decisions to protect program metrics.
Vehicle-Level Technical Acumen Identify and resolve issues at both component and vehicle levels; balance customer experience, manufacturability, cost, and enterprise constraints through clear technical communication.
Executive & Cross-Functional Communication Deliver concise, executive-ready updates (written, verbal, and visual); prioritize and tailor information for leaders, DREs, EGMs, and functional partners; clearly scope work for efficient execution.
Influence, Negotiation & Alignment Align stakeholders with competing objectives; remove enterprise-level roadblocks; secure agreements with BOM leaders, GFLs, suppliers, and Program Teams.
Planning, Prioritization & Risk Management Develop and manage 30/60/90-day and long-range plans; appropriately push back on scope; delegate effectively; identify and mitigate risks early.
Cost, Budget & Imperative Management Lead Exterior SMT delivery to cost, quality, and timing targets along the VDP/GVDP glidepath; synthesize detailed inputs into credible forecasts and aggregate status.
Engineering Execution & Supplier Readiness Drive design deliverables, benchmarking, cost management, HVI, interface requirements, and financial/quality imperatives; co-lead supplier selection, tooling kick-off, and PPAP readiness.
Change, Validation & Launch Leadership Anticipate risk, lead engineering changes, and coordinate validation activities; support DREs and IRTs through development and vehicle launch.
Engineering with Simplicity (EwS) & Innovation Champion EwS through simplification and standardization; develop and communicate a pipeline of Exterior SMT improvement ideas.
Technology & Competitive Awareness Monitor emerging exterior technologies and competitive products; translate insights into design and execution strategies.

Benefits

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