General Motors

Senior Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closures

General Motors • $100K — $120K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is mandatory.
  • 5+ years experience as a DRE or in full-cycle product development.
  • Deep understanding of engineering operations and vehicle program phases.
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, and program management skills.
  • Proven decision-making ability in ambiguous situations.
  • Experience with global OEMs and body manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

  • Lead closure subsystem development and integration across teams.
  • Balance engineering requirements with innovation and manufacturing constraints.
  • Communicate effectively with internal and external partners.
  • Provide technical leadership in closure system design and integration.
  • Drive subsystem innovation while managing risk and quality.
  • Lead the Product Development Team to ensure deliverables meet deadlines.
  • Develop and execute dimensional strategy to resolve issues.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model requiring in-office presence at least 3 times a week.
  • Limited travel requirement of less than 25%.
  • No relocation benefits provided; candidates must manage their own relocation costs.
Full Job Description

Job Description


The Role

The Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) leads the design, engineering, and release of closure systems across vehicle programs. This role requires strong technical judgment, cross‑functional leadership, and the ability to deliver an integrated, balanced subsystem from early development through launch.

 

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

Subsystem Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  • Lead closure subsystem development and integration with Design, Manufacturing, CAE, Dimensional Engineering, and program teams.
  • Balance innovation, engineering requirements, manufacturing constraints, and program imperatives.
  • Guide theme development, dimensional strategy, and interface alignment to ensure quality execution.
  • Communicate effectively across internal and external partners.

Technical Ownership

  • Provide technical leadership in closure system design, integration, and best‑practice application.
  • Apply knowledge of closure components, materials, regional differences, and competitive benchmarks.
  • Drive subsystem innovation while managing risk, timing, and quality.
  • Understand manufacturing processes across Stamping, Body, Paint, and General Assembly.

Product Development Team Leadership

  • Lead the PDT (Product Development Tram) to meet all deliverables on time with strong integration and design fidelity.
  • Execute quality chain elements, system design reviews, and program milestones.
  • Manage releases, sourcing, validation plans, and build readiness through the VDP (Vehicle Development Plan).
  • Apply robust engineering tools (DFSS, OPEX) to optimize design and enable high‑quality launches.

Dimensional Strategy & Issue Resolution

  • Develop and execute dimensional strategy, including BIW assessments, fit strategy, capability analysis, and validation plans.
  • Ensure GD&T aligns with assembly strategy and dimensional capability.
  • Identify root causes of dimensional issues and partner with Manufacturing on process validation.

 

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
  • 5+ years as a DRE or equivalent in full‑cycle product development.
  • Strong understanding of engineering operations, release processes, and vehicle program phases.
  • Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and program management skills.
  • Ability to make decisions in ambiguous environments.
  • Experience with global OEMs/suppliers and body manufacturing processes (stamping, welding, hemming, tolerancing, surface quality, Body/Closure Dimensional metrics).

 

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Master of Science or other Advanced Degree.
  • DFSS Black Belt Certification and Red X Journeyman.
  • Experience in fixture design and product validation.
  • Experience in budget plan development.
  • Working knowledge of global regulations and physics‑based problem solving.

#LI-KM2

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 <25% for this role. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will only be provided for this role by passing the Motor Vehicle Report review.

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.

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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

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