Product Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closure Sub Systems Engineer

GM•Warren, MI

5d•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. Job Summary The Product Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closures (Sub‑System Engineer) is responsible for the design, engineering, and release of closure sub‑systems on assigned vehicle programs. This role leads the Closures Product Development Team (PDT), collaborating with system architects, integrators, studio, manufacturing, and CAE to deliver an integrated, balanced subsystem that meets cost, mass, quality, timing, and safety imperatives. The engineer applies strong leadership, technical depth, creativity, and independent judgment to develop robust solutions that are high‑quality, launch‑ready, and aligned with GM systems and processes .

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering .
Experience with engineering operations, specification and release processes, and product development best practices .
Technical experience with closure systems and sub‑system integration , including understanding of key closure components (latches, hinges, counterbalance, power actuators, handles, sensors).
Familiarity with GM or similar OEM systems and processes (e.g., ECR, PRTS, eMerge, PPAP, change control).
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across cross‑functional and cross‑cultural teams .
Extensive analytical ability to address complex engineering problems.
Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and make timely decisions in a dynamic environment.
Excellent oral and written communication , stakeholder management, and program management skills.
Strong physics‑based, methodical problem-solving skills .

Nice To Haves

Master of Science in Engineering.
DFSS Black Belt certification and Red X Journeyman (or equivalent structured problem‑solving credentials).
Experience in fixture design and product validation for closure systems.
Experience in budget planning and cost management for engineering content.

Responsibilities

Sub‑System Design, Integration, and Release Owns the design, engineering, and release of assigned closure sub‑systems for vehicle programs.
Collaborates with cross‑functional partners (studio, program teams, Body Manufacturing, Body Shop, General Assembly, VDDV/CAE) to achieve integrated solutions with balanced imperatives.
Supports system architects, lead integrators, and system leads to guide studio and program teams toward designs that balance innovation, content, and manufacturing constraints.
Develops design studies and alternatives; recommends program direction based on cost, mass, timing, DFMEA, quality, and other program imperatives .
Ensures theme development enables on‑time, high‑quality execution and manufacturability.
Communicates technical information to and from internal and external customer organizations.
Technical Expertise – Closures Sub‑Systems Demonstrates strong technical capability in closure sub‑system development , with working knowledge of components such as latches, hinges, counterbalance systems, power actuators, handles, and sensors .
Understands and applies SSTS and other requirements to adapt existing solutions to new vehicles.
Works with technical leads to balance risk and reach while maintaining on‑time, high‑quality execution.
Maintains awareness of competitive benchmarks and trends in the closure sub‑system space and incorporates best practices.
Actively engages with Technical Specialist (TS) teams and GSSLT to ensure technical adherence and innovation.
Shares lessons learned and best practices across programs, platforms, and global engineering teams.
Is familiar with closure manufacturing processes across Stamping, Body, Paint, and General Assembly .
Product Development Team Leadership & Quality Chain Leads the Product Development Team (PDT) for the subsystem, ensuring all deliverables are met on time while managing imperatives and providing integrated solutions across multiple programs.
Runs effective subsystem PDT meetings and drives clear actions, decisions, and risk management.
Executes Quality Chain elements with rigor and excellence.
Co‑leads system design reviews, peer reviews, and DRBTR reviews to ensure 100% design fidelity and best practice compliance with a focus on interfaces and integration.
Delivers key VDP/VDP‑aligned outputs, including: Math data releases and engineering documentation Statements of Requirements (SORs) Sourcing packages and tool kick‑offs Test‑ready properties and validation plans/results Interface control documents (ICDs) and CRVs MRDs for build events and PPAP completion Applies GM systems and processes effectively (e.g., ECR, PRTS, eMerge, PPAP, TWO’s).
Validation, Launch, and Continuous Improvement Co‑leads development, execution, and approval of validation plans for closure sub‑systems.
Supports PDT, Supplier Quality (SQ), and Purchasing to enable on‑time sourcing of qualified suppliers.
Uses robust engineering tools (e.g., DFSS, OPEX, structured problem solving ) to optimize product design.
Ensures GD&T strategy matches dimensional capability and assembly strategy.
Determines root cause of dimensional or functional issues and drives effective corrective actions.
Works with Manufacturing to develop and execute closure system process validation plans , enabling a high‑quality, on‑time launch.