Seat Complete - Design Release Engineering

GM • Warren, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Seat Complete Design Release Engineer is the primary representative of ITCC Seat Engineering for an assigned vehicle program. The role represents the seating organization to the broader enterprise and supply base, leads assigned rows of seat-system solutions, and drives development and release of complete seating systems. The engineer works with a high degree of independent judgment and discretion, implementing functional strategies, coordinating programs, providing technical counsel, advising management, and leading complex cross-functional work.

The role supports development of next-generation seating systems that provide tailored passenger experiences and contribute to overall customer experience. It is categorized as hybrid, with the selected candidate expected to work onsite at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week, or at another frequency set by the manager. Travel is required as needed and is stated to be less than 25%. The role is not eligible for relocation benefits. GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience developing and executing technical solutions for mechanical components and systems supporting new vehicle programs; 10 or more years preferred.
• Experience developing and releasing seating systems or related vehicle components.
• DFSS Green Belt certification.
• Demonstrated ability to balance cost, mass, complexity, timing, content, and other business priorities.
• Experience working effectively with multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teams.
• Ability to operate effectively in an ambiguous, fast-paced, and forward-thinking environment.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• 10 or more years of experience developing and executing technical solutions for mechanical components and systems supporting new vehicle programs.
• Master of Science degree in Engineering.
• DFSS Black Belt certification.
• Experience with structured problem-solving methods, such as Red X.
• Experience with DFMEA, PFMEA, ICDs, CAE collaboration, and GD&T.
• Experience supporting vehicle launches from design through validation and production.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate seating-system solutions that exceed customer expectations.
• Lead the design, development, analysis, implementation, and validation of complex seat subsystems and complete seat systems.
• Perform engineering design evaluations and concept development across vehicle programs using a Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) approach.
• Use engineering tools and processes, including DFMEA, PFMEA, ICDs, GD&T, and CAE collaboration, to develop robust system-design solutions.
• Complete DFMEAs, including FIT activities, on time and with a high level of quality.
• Package components, manage CAD development through suppliers and GM designers, and ensure designs integrate effectively with adjacent vehicle systems.
• Ensure best practices are incorporated into CAD and escalate gaps when best practices cannot be met.
• Lead product development team (PDT) activities and coordinate cross-functional work with Creative Design, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers, and other engineering organizations.
• Support initial vehicle configuration, customer-driven requirements, cost optimization, product improvements, and process improvements.
• Balance business imperatives including cost, mass, complexity, timing, content, and performance.
• Manage program milestones, track open issues, and drive timely resolution with appropriate stakeholders.
• Review and apply benchmarking to guide competitive design direction.
• Engage early with the SVI team to support successful system integration and validation.
• Understand customer needs, vehicle architecture limitations, and seating-system requirements.
• Integrate seat components, occupants, and the complete seating system while anticipating future use cases and avoiding isolated point solutions.
• Develop reuse strategies across seating systems and reduce unnecessary component variants.
• Develop solutions that improve comfort, craftsmanship, assembly quality, and seat-to-vehicle closeout.
• Provide features and design solutions that enable consistent quality and efficient assembly.
• Support virtual validation goals and incorporate lessons learned from physical validation and vehicle builds into continuous improvements.
• Lead and, when appropriate, direct the work of other engineers and technical contributors.
• Travel as needed; the posting states travel will be less than 25%.
• Legally operate a motor vehicle.

What This Job Offers

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