Product Design Release Engineer - Vehicle Closures, Sub-System Engineer

Job Description

This role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the selected candidate will be expected to work on‑site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week (or other frequency determined by their manager).

• This role is not eligible for relocation assistance

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..

About the Role:

The Product Design Release Engineer - Closures Subsystem is responsible for the design, engineering, and release of closure subsystems on a vehicle program. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and independent judgment to lead product development efforts and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver an integrated and balanced subsystem solution.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to develop robust, balanced solutions aligned with program requirements
• Support system architects, lead integrators, and system leads in guiding studio, program, and manufacturing teams
• Drive alignment across teams to balance innovation, cost, mass, timing, and manufacturing feasibility
• Interface with Body Manufacturing, Body Shop, General Assembly, and VDDV/CAE teams to meet SSTS, dimensional, packaging, and performance requirements
• Develop and evaluate engineering alternatives based on cost, weight, timing, DFMEA, and quality targets
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Ensure theme development supports high-quality, on-time execution

Technical Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise in closure subsystem development and system integration
• Demonstrate working knowledge of closure components (latches, hinges, counterbalance systems, power actuators, handles, sensors)
• Understand and apply SSTS requirements across vehicle programs
• Assess risks and support decision-making to ensure quality and program timing
• Benchmark competitive solutions and industry trends
• Collaborate with Technical Specialist (TS) teams and participate in GSSLT reviews
• Share best practices and lessons learned across programs and platforms
• Understand closure manufacturing processes, including stamping, body, paint, and general assembly

Program & Execution Responsibilities

• Lead the Product Development Team (PDT) to deliver subsystem milestones on time and within program constraints

• Run effective subsystem PDT meetings and manage deliverables across multiple programs

• Execute quality processes with rigor and discipline

• Co-lead system design reviews, peer reviews, and DRBTR reviews to ensure design integrity and compliance

• Manage key deliverables through the Vehicle Development Process (VDP), including:

• Math releases

• Statements of Requirements (SORs)

• Sourcing and tool kickoff

• Test readiness and validation

• ICDs, CRVs, MRDs for build events

• PPAP completion

• Utilize GM systems and tools (ECR, PRTS, eMerge, TWO, PPAP)

• Support sourcing activities with Purchasing and Supplier Quality teams

• Develop and execute subsystem validation plans

• Apply robust engineering tools (DFSS, OPEX) to optimize designs

Quality & Launch Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality, on-time program launches
• Align GD&T strategy with dimensional capability and assembly requirements
• Lead root cause analysis for dimensional and integration issues
• Partner with Manufacturing to develop and execute closure system validation plans

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience with engineering operations, specifications, release processes, and best practices
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills across cross-functional and global teams
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage ambiguity and drive timely decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong program and project management experience
• Solid physics-based, structured problem-solving approach

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or related field
• DFSS Black Belt Certification and/or Red X Journeyman
• Experience with fixture design and product validation
• Experience with budget planning and cost management

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

About GM

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.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

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All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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