General Motors

Lead DRE Hard Trim & Overhead

General Motors • $110K — $130K *
Warren, MI 48089In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical preferred) or equivalent.
  • 10+ years of experience in interior automotive trim design/development.
  • 5+ years as a Design Release Engineer (DRE) focusing on interior trim systems.
  • Strong knowledge of plastic materials, injection, and compression molding processes.
  • Proven successful launch of at least one vehicle as an Interior Systems DRE.
  • Experience resolving ergonomic issues in interior trim.
  • Skilled in DFMEA and PFMEA development.

Responsibilities

  • Own design and integration of interior hard trim and overhead components.
  • Develop and maintain timing plans for components throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
  • Ensure design execution meets fit, finish, DFA, and DFM requirements.
  • Balance cost, investment, mass, and performance priorities.
  • Release components and approve validation plans/results.
  • Lead cross-functional development activities with engineering and non-engineering partners.
  • Resolve design and ergonomic issues through structured problem solving.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model requiring on-site presence three days a week.
  • Opportunity for professional growth as a technical leader and mentor.
  • Engagement with diverse cross-functional teams.
  • Chance to impact vehicle design quality and launch execution.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Job Description

This role is categorized as hybrid. The selected candidate will be expected to work on-site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week, or as otherwise determined by the hiring leader.
  • This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.


About the role:

The Lead Design Release Engineer (DRE) - Interior Hard Trim and Overhead Systems is responsible for the end-to-end development, integration, and release of interior hard trim and overhead components for vehicle programs. This role focuses on injection-molded plastic and compression-molded trim, headliners, and associated overhead components, ensuring robust design, high quality, and flawless launch execution. The Lead DRE will drive cross-functional alignment, mentor other engineers, and help define component, system, and program execution strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Product & System Ownership
  • Own design, development, and integration of interior hard trim and overhead components, including:
    • Hard Trim: plastic injection-molded and compression-molded carpet parts.
    • Overhead Systems: headliners and associated components (e.g., lamps, coat hooks, assist handles, speaker grilles).
  • Develop and maintain component timing plans and deliverables across the vehicle lifecycle.
  • Ensure design execution meets requirements for fit, finish, DFA, and DFM.
  • Balance imperatives such as cost, investment, mass, and performance.
  • Release all assigned components and approve validation plans and results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Lead cross-functional product development activities with:
    • Engineering partners: Engineering Design, Interior Restraints, adjacent Interior components, Body Systems, Electrical, HVAC, Cargo Management, and Overhead/Hard Trim component teams.
    • Non-engineering partners: Creative Design, Purchasing, Ergonomics, Manufacturing, Value-Added Assemblers, Quality, and Suppliers.
  • Resolve design, packaging, and ergonomic issues through data-driven trade-offs and structured problem solving.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship:
  • Act as the technical leader and subject-matter expert for interior hard trim and overhead systems on assigned programs.
  • Mentor and support other DREs and engineers, sharing best practices and lessons learned.
  • Contribute to the development of repeatable strategies, standards, and execution approaches for interior hard trim and overhead systems.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred) or U.S. equivalent.
  • 10+ years of experience designing and/or developing interior automotive trim components.
  • 5+ years of Design Release Engineer (DRE) experience developing and implementing technical solutions for interior trim systems and components.
  • Strong knowledge of plastic materials, compression molding, and injection molding processes.
  • Successful launch of at least one vehicle as an Interior Systems DRE or Application Engineer.
  • Experience resolving ergonomic issues related to interior trim systems.
  • Experience creating DFMEAs and cascading them into PFMEAs.
  • Proficiency with GD&T to ensure compliance with interior trim fit and functional requirements.
  • Experience creating 3D-printed parts to develop and evaluate proposed concepts.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Engineering release experience specifically in hard trim components and/or overhead systems.
  • Proficiency in Unigraphics/NX/Teamcenter Visualization (Vis Mockup), including:
    • Assembly navigation, measurements, and sectioning.
    • Creating study files.
    • Creating STL files for 3D printing.
  • Familiarity with structured problem-solving methods such as Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and Red X.


Sponsorship:

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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