General Motors

Design and Release Engineer -Seat Structure

General Motors • $95K — $115K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical or related discipline)
  • Minimum 5 years experience in product development, preferably in structural components or seating systems
  • Ability to read and interpret 3D math data and review designs using tools like Vis-Mock-up
  • Strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and mechanics
  • Proven capability to work independently and drive complex issues to closure
  • Excellent organizational and tactical planning skills for managing deadlines
  • Ability to travel up to 15% for plant builds and launch support

Responsibilities

  • Lead design, development, and integration of rear seat structures for large- scope vehicle programs
  • Own and develop Statements of Requirements for rear seat structure subsystems, collaborating with various teams
  • Conduct design and technical reviews, ensuring safety compliance and design robustness
  • Define and maintain Interface Control Documents, negotiating interface agreements
  • Lead the Product Development Team for assigned components, managing timelines and part lists
  • Conduct trade-off studies based on cost, timing, manufacturability, and safety
  • Release production designs on time, ensuring compliance with all requirements

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment, requiring on-site presence at least three days a week
  • No relocation assistance provided
  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge automotive design and development
  • Be part of a dynamic engineering team driving innovation in vehicle design
  • Potential for professional growth and development in a well-established automotive company
Full Job Description
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


About the Role:

The Senior Rear Seat Structure Design Release Engineer is the technical owner for rear seat structures and key components from concept through launch and into production. You will define system requirements, lead design and integration, and drive robust execution with a high level of independent judgment, creativity, and technical leadership. Prior experience leading seating structure and/or component development across multiple vehicle launches is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead design, development, and integration of highly complex rear seat structures for large-scope vehicle programs.
  • Own and develop SORs (Statement of Requirements) for rear seat structure subsystems, partnering with safety, CAE, manufacturing, durability, NVH, and other subject-matter teams.
  • Lead design and technical reviews for rear seat structures and subsystems, ensuring design robustness, safety compliance, and alignment to program targets.
  • Define and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for component and subsystem interfaces; negotiate and finalize interface agreements with interfacing systems and resolve conflicts effectively.
  • Lead the Product Development Team (PDT) for assigned components/subsystems, including timing, parts lists, DFM/DFMA considerations, issue tracking, and risk mitigation.
  • Conduct trade-off studies and recommend directions based on cost, mass, timing, manufacturability, complexity, safety, and quality imperatives.
  • Release production designs on time, ensuring they meet all commodity, regulatory, performance, and quality requirements.
  • Conduct engineering and design reviews to help ensure 100% design fidelity and readiness at each GVDP milestone.
  • Act as the primary technical interface, clearly communicating information to and from internal and external organizations (program teams, plants, suppliers, CAE, validation, purchasing, quality).
  • Lead the launch of new vehicle programs for rear seat structure subsystems at assembly plants and supplier facilities, including build support, issue resolution, and change management.
  • Lead focused problem-solving efforts on significant cost, quality, safety, and warranty issues on seat programs, driving permanent corrective actions and lessons learned.


Required Education, Experience & Skills:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline).
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in product development, preferably with structural components or seating systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to read, analyze, and interpret 3D math data and review designs using tools such as Vis-Mock-up or equivalent.
  • Strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and mechanics, with the ability to connect system-level performance to component-level design decisions.
  • Proven ability to work independently, make sound technical judgments, and drive issues to closure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational and tactical planning skills (macro/micro/personal) to manage multiple programs and deadlines.
  • Ability to travel up to 15% (plant builds, supplier visits, test events, and launch support).


Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Product Design Release experience with ownership of components or systems through multiple GVDP cycles.
  • Working knowledge of product development processes, FMVSS regulations, and vehicle-level requirements, including familiarity with GVDP milestones, deliverables, and sign-off criteria.
  • Prior experience with automotive OEM product development (seating or body structures strongly preferred).
  • Experience applying DFSS tools for component selection and design robustness; DFSS certification is a plus.
  • Demonstrated capability with structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Red-X, 8D, root-cause analysis).
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence decisions and align diverse stakeholders around a technical direction.


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., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

#LI-JN1
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}.The selected candidate will be required to travel

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who drive success at General Motors.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at General Motors

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Design and Release Engineer -Seat Structure jobs:

NationwideWarren, MI