Sr Product Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closure System Lead Engineer

General Motors•Warren, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

General Motors is seeking a Closures System Lead to own the design, engineering, integration, and release of vehicle closure systems across multiple vehicle programs. In this role, you will serve as both a technical leader and system integrator, partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality, manufacturable, and innovative closure solutions from concept through launch. This position is ideal for a motivated leader who thrives in complex environments, enjoys balancing technical depth with program execution, and is passionate about delivering world-class vehicle systems.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Minimum 5+ years of experience as a Design Release Engineer (DRE) or equivalent role in vehicle system development.
Experience across all phases of a vehicle program (concept through launch).
Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence, motivate, and align cross‑functional teams.
Strong analytical and physics‑based problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong program management and execution capabilities.
Working knowledge of global automotive regulations.
Experience collaborating with global OEMs and suppliers.
Knowledge of body manufacturing processes, including stamping, welding, hemming, datum strategy, tolerancing, surface quality standards, ABC metrics, and GDIS.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or other advanced technical degree.
DFSS Black Belt and/or Red X Journeyman certification.
Experience in fixture design and product validation.
Experience with budget planning and cost management.

Responsibilities

System Leadership & Integration Lead closure subsystem development and integration, collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and program teams.
Partner with system architects and lead integrators to guide studio, program, and manufacturing teams toward balanced, integrated solutions.
Support the development and validation of dimensional and fit strategies for closure subsystems and interfacing components.
Effectively negotiate and align solutions across cross‑functional partners to balance cost, mass, quality, timing, and manufacturability.
Ensure theme development supports high‑quality, on‑time execution.
Serve as a technical leader for closure systems, including latches, hinges, counterbalance systems, power actuators, handles, and sensors.
Apply deep knowledge of closure system integration, regional manufacturing differences, and competitive benchmarks.
Lead subsystem innovation while balancing risk, reach, and execution excellence.
Develop and deploy subsystem best practices, sharing lessons learned across programs, platforms, and teams.
Maintain strong understanding of closure manufacturing processes across Stamping, Body, Paint, and General Assembly.
Lead the Product Development Team (PDT) to deliver all program milestones on time.
Run effective PDT meetings and ensure execution of quality chain elements with rigor and discipline.
Co‑lead System Design Reviews, Peer Reviews, and DRBTRs to ensure design fidelity, best practice compliance, and interface robustness.
Drive completion of key Vehicle Development Process (VDP) deliverables, including: Math releases Statements of Requirements (SORs) Sourcing and tool kick‑offs Test‑ready properties Validation, ICDs, CRVs, MRDs, PPAP, and build events
Utilize GM systems and processes such as ECR, PRTS, eMerge, PPAP, and TWO.
Lead the development and execution of dimensional strategies, including BIW foundations, fit strategies, capability assessments, and validation.
Ensure GD&T strategies align with dimensional capability and assembly processes.
Identify root causes of dimensional issues and partner with Manufacturing to implement corrective actions.
Support process validation planning through CAE, VSM, matching builds, and slow builds.