Senor Hydraulic Controls DRE or Technical Specialist

General Motors • Warren, MI

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position may be filled as either a Transmission Hydraulic Controls Design and Release Engineer (DRE) or a Technical Specialist, depending on the candidate’s demonstrated scope, technical influence, and ownership of technology. The role supports GM’s current and next-generation internal-combustion-engine portfolios and represents multiple opportunities within the PMT. It focuses on the design and release of valve body assemblies and related components, including valves, solenoids, castings, and spacer plates, and requires close collaboration with component suppliers and GM manufacturing plants responsible for final valve body assembly.

The role involves setting and harmonizing global commodity strategies, leading technology and innovation, developing BOM strategy and reuse, and benchmarking commodity performance and physical characteristics. It also includes engineering design analysis, cross-functional product and cost improvement, engineering change management, supplier quality work, validation support, root cause analysis, and communication of program status and risks. The position contributes to commodity knowledge and standard work, safety and regulatory compliance, problem solving, CAE reviews, and mentoring and training of product and program engineering staff.

The role is hybrid and based in Warren, Michigan. The selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least three times a week or at another frequency set by their manager. Travel is less than 25%. Relocation benefits are available to candidates who qualify under company policy.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in design and release.
• Excellent analytical ability, communication, and interpersonal skills to build relationships with team members and customers and solve problems and resolve issues.
• Ability to handle multiple complex projects and assignments with autonomy and accountability for results.
• Good understanding of major automotive subsystems.
• Proven project management skills and ability to teach others.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Technical writing ability to create written engineering evaluation reports.
• Ability to read, interpret, and generate engineering drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with CAD and CAE.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science degree in Engineering.
• At least 9 years of experience in design and release of components.
• Direct experience with transmission and/or hydraulic control components.
• In-depth knowledge of transmission systems and calibration.
• Understanding of GD&T principles.
• Experience with build-to-print parts or make parts.
• Experience managing OEMs or suppliers on critical timelines.
• Knowledge of PPAP, APQP, and automotive quality standards and requirements.
• Familiarity with DFMEA and structured problem-solving methodologies, such as Red X, DFSS, and fishbone.
• Strong people leadership and coaching capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and define globally harmonized strategies and provide technical discussion and direction for the overall commodity.
• Design and release valve body assemblies and related components, including valves, solenoids, castings, and spacer plates.
• Perform complex design analysis and evaluate engineering designs.
• Work cross-functionally to implement cost reductions, methods and product improvements, and support prototype and production build activities.
• Balance business considerations such as cost, mass, complexity, and timing.
• Manage engineering changes and ensure timely release, PPAP, and implementation at plants and suppliers.
• Collaborate with casting, machining, and gasket suppliers to improve manufacturing quality and reduce defects.
• Conduct supplier process audits and capability studies, and drive corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Support validation of running changes in the lab and vehicle to ensure compliance with GM specifications and standards.
• Lead root cause analysis for field and warranty issues and develop and implement containment and corrective actions.
• Communicate status, risks, and issue-resolution plans to leadership, manufacturing, quality, and cross-functional program teams.
• Stay informed about relevant new technology and competitive products.
• Develop and maintain BOM strategy and reuse, and benchmark the commodity through performance testing and physical analysis.
• Lead commodity technology and innovation, integrate strategies, support subsystems and components, and drive technology toward a five- and ten-year vision.
• Ensure compliance with GM safety practices and provide regulatory advisory support.
• Create and maintain commodity base-knowledge documents, standard-work templates, and other documents.
• Lead or support problem-solving activities affecting the commodity and provide component-specific guidance, including system-level problem solving where appropriate.
• Participate in CAE reviews.
• Share lessons and learnings with global stakeholders promptly.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to Technical Specialists, Lead DREs, Chief Engineers, and program teams as appropriate.
• Support mentoring, training, and coaching of product and program engineering roles, and create and maintain training materials.

Benefits

• Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.
• GM states that it provides well-being support at work and at home; candidates are directed to its Total Rewards resources for benefit details.

What This Job Offers

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