Senior Design Release Engineer - Power Signal Connectors

GM•Warren, MI

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

At this level, you are expected to operate with a high degree of independent judgment and discretion. You are typically responsible for implementing functional strategies, administering and coordinating programs, and counseling and advising management. As a fully qualified individual contributor with a thorough knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the function, you provide expert judgment and analysis for the design, development, and implementation of technical products and systems. You resolve highly complex technical issues and conduct advanced research. You recommend modifications to development and design approaches to improve product quality and/or procedures. You are skilled and proficient in a wide range of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures, relying primarily on extensive experience and professional judgment to plan and accomplish goals. You perform multiple tasks simultaneously, lead initiatives, and may direct the work of others. A high degree of creativity, autonomy, and latitude is expected. What You Will Do In this role, you will operate with a high degree of independence and strategic judgment, driving the execution of functional strategy and shaping program direction. You will coordinate and steward critical initiatives while advising leadership with expert, data-driven insight. As a deeply experienced technical leader, you will apply comprehensive domain knowledge to influence the design, development, and deployment of advanced technical products and systems. You will navigate and resolve highly complex technical challenges, lead forward-looking research, and champion enhancements that elevate product robustness, quality, and efficiency. You will leverage a broad command of industry concepts, methodologies, and best practices to set direction, anticipate risks, and deliver results. Drawing on extensive experience, you will define priorities, manage multiple workstreams, and guide or direct the work of others. This position demands creativity, strategic foresight, and significant autonomy. The Role The Low Voltage Connector DRE serves as the strategic technical leader for the release, validation, and lifecycle management of low-voltage connection systems across GM programs. You will drive product definition, leading the collection, negotiation, and refinement of requirements while serving as the single point of accountability between GM and supplier partners. You will bring a systems-level perspective to solving complex product challenges, integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis to guide decisions, mitigate risk, and influence program outcomes. The role blends strategic program leadership with deep technical ownership, ensuring alignment to GM’s objectives for safety, quality, warranty performance, cost efficiency, and technical excellence. As part of the Power Signal Distribution Systems organization, you will shape the roadmap for connection systems that support GM’s electrical architectures, enabling next-generation vehicle technologies and advancing enterprise-wide product strategies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent connector experience
Minimum 5+ years of automotive experience
Must be capable of providing component specific direction to new engineers and supplier resident engineers
Appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods to work effectively with business partners to meet mutual goals
Ability to travel as needed (up to 2% max; mostly local plants / suppliers)

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Engineering
Understanding of engineering theory and principles of operation of mechanical/electrical mechanisms
High level of analytical ability where problems are unusual and difficult
High level of oral and written communication skills
High level of interpersonal skills to work independently and effectively with others
Demonstrated proficiency comprehending connector requirements
Minimum 5+ years of DRE experience
DFSS Green Belt Certified
Experience in the GM product release and specification process
Familiarity with PSDS component physical and virtual test methods.
Previous subsystem and/or component testing experience in automotive.
DFSS Blackbelt Certified systems

Responsibilities

Own/Release/Validate the low voltage connector hardware for development & production
Address all connector related safety concerns promptly
Support cost savings initiatives
Facilitate requirements, validation, and design reviews with suppliers (DFMEA, DRBFM, Peer Reviews, VCRI)
Expected to optimize a comprehensive and detailed plan to develop and validate the assigned component to meet its technical requirements.
Keep supplier(s) on track to meet key milestones (design freeze, gate reviews for prototype levels, validation start and complete dates)
Ensures hardware is available and validated appropriately for key vehicle build events: (IVER, APPV, PPV, etc.)
Reviews and approves component program specific DV & PV ADVP&R
Define validation requirements for SSTS/CTS Section 4 including VCRI.
Update validation status in Janus as required
Document test failures in PRTS
Ensures DV and PV are completed on time to the validation milestones
Ensures all test documentation is completed by Validation Documentation Complete milestone and completes validation action plan or 3660 in support of launch.
Connector warranty analysis, issue resolution, parts restriction and report updates as required
Supplier and Vehicle Assembly plant visits as required

Benefits

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
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