Senior Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closures
About The Position
At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale. The Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) leads the design, engineering, and release of closure systems across vehicle programs. This role requires strong technical judgment, cross‑functional leadership, and the ability to deliver an integrated, balanced subsystem from early development through launch.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- 5+ years as a DRE or equivalent in full‑cycle product development.
- Strong understanding of engineering operations, release processes, and vehicle program phases.
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and program management skills.
- Ability to make decisions in ambiguous environments.
- Experience with global OEMs/suppliers and body manufacturing processes (stamping, welding, hemming, tolerancing, surface quality, Body/Closure Dimensional metrics).
- Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis.
Nice To Haves
- Master of Science or other Advanced Degree.
- DFSS Black Belt Certification and Red X Journeyman.
- Experience in fixture design and product validation.
- Experience in budget plan development.
- Working knowledge of global regulations and physics‑based problem solving.
Responsibilities
- Lead closure subsystem development and integration with Design, Manufacturing, CAE, Dimensional Engineering, and program teams.
- Balance innovation, engineering requirements, manufacturing constraints, and program imperatives.
- Guide theme development, dimensional strategy, and interface alignment to ensure quality execution.
- Communicate effectively across internal and external partners.
- Provide technical leadership in closure system design, integration, and best‑practice application.
- Apply knowledge of closure components, materials, regional differences, and competitive benchmarks.
- Drive subsystem innovation while managing risk, timing, and quality.
- Understand manufacturing processes across Stamping, Body, Paint, and General Assembly.
- Lead the PDT (Product Development Tram) to meet all deliverables on time with strong integration and design fidelity.
- Execute quality chain elements, system design reviews, and program milestones.
- Manage releases, sourcing, validation plans, and build readiness through the VDP (Vehicle Development Plan).
- Apply robust engineering tools (DFSS, OPEX) to optimize design and enable high‑quality launches.
- Develop and execute dimensional strategy, including BIW assessments, fit strategy, capability analysis, and validation plans.
- Ensure GD&T aligns with assembly strategy and dimensional capability.
- Identify root causes of dimensional issues and partner with Manufacturing on process validation.
Benefits
- From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
