Product Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closures, Sub-system Engineer

General Motors•Warren, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Product Design Release Engineer – Closures Subsystem is responsible for the design, engineering, and release of closure subsystems on a vehicle program. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and independent judgment to lead product development efforts and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver an integrated and balanced subsystem solution.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Experience with engineering operations, specifications, release processes, and best practices
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills across cross-functional and global teams
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
Ability to manage ambiguity and drive timely decisions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong program and project management experience
Solid physics-based, structured problem-solving approach

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering or related field
DFSS Black Belt Certification and/or Red X Journeyman
Experience with fixture design and product validation
Experience with budget planning and cost management

Responsibilities

Collaborate with cross-functional partners to develop robust, balanced solutions aligned with program requirements
Support system architects, lead integrators, and system leads in guiding studio, program, and manufacturing teams
Drive alignment across teams to balance innovation, cost, mass, timing, and manufacturing feasibility
Interface with Body Manufacturing, Body Shop, General Assembly, and VDDV/CAE teams to meet SSTS, dimensional, packaging, and performance requirements
Develop and evaluate engineering alternatives based on cost, weight, timing, DFMEA, and quality targets
Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners
Ensure theme development supports high-quality, on-time execution
Apply technical expertise in closure subsystem development and system integration
Demonstrate working knowledge of closure components (latches, hinges, counterbalance systems, power actuators, handles, sensors)
Understand and apply SSTS requirements across vehicle programs
Assess risks and support decision-making to ensure quality and program timing
Benchmark competitive solutions and industry trends
Collaborate with Technical Specialist (TS) teams and participate in GSSLT reviews
Share best practices and lessons learned across programs and platforms
Understand closure manufacturing processes, including stamping, body, paint, and general assembly
Lead the Product Development Team (PDT) to deliver subsystem milestones on time and within program constraints
Run effective subsystem PDT meetings and manage deliverables across multiple programs
Execute quality processes with rigor and discipline
Co-lead system design reviews, peer reviews, and DRBTR reviews to ensure design integrity and compliance
Manage key deliverables through the Vehicle Development Process (VDP), including: Math releases, Statements of Requirements (SORs), Sourcing and tool kickoff, Test readiness and validation, ICDs, CRVs, MRDs for build events, PPAP completion
Utilize GM systems and tools (ECR, PRTS, eMerge, TWO, PPAP)
Support sourcing activities with Purchasing and Supplier Quality teams
Develop and execute subsystem validation plans
Apply robust engineering tools (DFSS, OPEX) to optimize designs
Ensure high-quality, on-time program launches
Align GD&T strategy with dimensional capability and assembly requirements
Lead root cause analysis for dimensional and integration issues
Partner with Manufacturing to develop and execute closure system validation plans