General Motors

Design Release Engineer – Full-Size Truck Suspension

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in vehicle suspension design or release.
  • Direct design-release experience for suspension systems on vehicle programs.
  • Strong knowledge of suspension design, including durability and NVH.
  • Understanding of vehicle dynamics and suspension fundamentals.
  • Experience with engineering documentation like 3D models and BOMs.
  • Proven ability to lead technical decisions and manage risks.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and release of suspension components and systems.
  • Convert vehicle attribute targets into clear component requirements.
  • Develop and maintain suspension designs for optimal performance.
  • Own technical definition and release of suspension hardware.
  • Partner with engineering teams to optimize suspension performance.
  • Plan and execute validation for components and systems.
  • Analyze test results and drive corrective actions.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Involvement in innovative vehicle programs.
  • Access to advanced engineering tools and technologies.
  • Support for work-life balance and flexible scheduling.
Full Job Description

Job Description

As a Design Release Engineer, you will own the design, release, integration, and lifecycle management of suspension hardware for full-size truck vehicle programs. You will be accountable for delivering robust suspension systems that meet vehicle-level targets for ride, handling, durability, NVH, packaging, cost, quality, and timing.


What You’ll Do

  • Lead design and release of assigned suspension components and systems, across the full range of assigned suspension components and systems.
  • Convert vehicle attribute targets into clear component and system requirements, including component performance targets, tuning ranges, durability requirements, NVH performance, load cases, and operating limits.
  • Develop and maintain suspension designs that achieve robust packaging, mounting, travel management, serviceability, and compatibility with springs, bushings, anti-roll systems, and adjacent vehicle systems.
  • Own the technical definition and release of suspension hardware, including 3D models, engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and engineering changes.
  • Partner with Vehicle Dynamics and cross-functional engineering teams to optimize suspension performance and support ride, handling, durability, towing, hauling, off-road, and track-development activities.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute component, subsystem, and vehicle-level validation, including component testing, K&C, rig, durability, and vehicle performance evaluations.
  • Analyze test results and field or development issues, identify root causes, and drive timely corrective actions through design updates, validation, and production implementation.
  • Serve as the primary technical interface with suppliers, directing suspension design, development, innovation, quality, timing, cost, and launch readiness.
  • Lead design reviews and cross-functional issue resolution with Vehicle Dynamics, Chassis, Structures, Controls, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Program teams.
  • Maintain core Design Release Engineering documentation, including DFMEA, DVP&R, BOMs, requirements, design records, and issue-tracking documentation.
  • Support program milestones from concept development through production launch and ensure released hardware meets performance, manufacturability, reliability, and customer expectations.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Senior Design Release Engineer

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 5 or more years of experience in vehicle suspension design, development, or release.
  • Demonstrated experience with direct design-release responsibility for suspension systems or components on vehicle programs.
  • Strong knowledge of suspension component and system design, including component architecture, interfaces, durability, NVH, performance tuning, and load management.
  • Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and suspension fundamentals, including kinematics and compliance, spring–damper matching, ride, handling, load paths, and component interactions.
  • Experience developing and releasing suspension hardware using engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, BOMs, DFMEAs, and DVP&Rs.
  • Experience planning and interpreting suspension component and system testing, including K&C, rig, durability, and vehicle evaluations, supported by relevant analysis tools.
  • Proven ability to lead technical decisions, manage risk, and deliver against program timing, cost, quality, and performance objectives.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead supplier relationships and influence cross-functional teams through complex design and validation issues.
  • Clear, concise technical communication skills, with the ability to present recommendations and decisions to engineering and program leadership.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Experience designing, developing, or releasing suspension hardware for full-size trucks, SUVs, or other high-load vehicle applications.
  • Experience on performance, off-road, towing, hauling, or track-focused vehicle programs.
  • Experience taking suspension components from concept through design release, validation, production launch, and lifecycle support.
  • Exposure to electronically controlled suspension, chassis control systems, or other advanced suspension technologies.
  • Experience with supplier development, design reviews, manufacturing feasibility, cost optimization, or production launch activities.
  • Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.

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.

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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

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