Design Release Engineer - Exterior Lighting

Job DescriptionThis 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 assistanceAt 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 Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, integration, and release of exterior lighting systems for GM vehicle programs, including EV and ICE platforms. This role supports concept development through production launch by defining performance requirements, leading packaging integration, managing design feasibility, and delivering robust, production-ready lighting solutions.Key Responsibilities:Lead the design, development, and release of exterior lighting components and systems.Collaborate with Styling, Electrical, Validation, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and suppliers to develop and integrate lighting solutions.Define and execute system performance requirements based on customer needs, benchmarking, regulations, and program objectives.Develop and manage NX/Teamcenter math data, packaging studies, and vehicle integration activities.Support design reviews, feature development, lighting animations, and system-level communications.Lead issue resolution, engineering evaluations, and design tradeoff decisions involving performance, cost, mass, manufacturability, and timing.Manage supplier engagement, validation activities, and launch readiness.Create and maintain engineering documentation, including SORs, SOWs, ICDs, DFMEAs, DVP&R, drawings, and BOMs.Support benchmarking, technology development, and continuous improvement initiatives.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.2+ years of engineering experience in exterior lighting, injection-molded plastic components, or related automotive systems.Proficiency with NX and Teamcenter/Unigraphics.Experience with vehicle integration, product development, design release, and engineering validation processes.Knowledge of DFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, BOM creation, and engineering documentation.Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive technical decisions independently.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with exterior lighting regulations and global vehicle lighting requirements.Experience working with global suppliers and supporting programs through production launch.Knowledge of lighting electronics, optics, animations, and feature development.Familiarity with MATLAB, Simulink, Abaqus, Python, or related engineering tools.Advanced engineering degree preferred.Success Measures:Deliver robust, compliant, and production-ready exterior lighting designs.Meet program timing, quality, cost, and performance targets.Successfully manage supplier activities, validation, and launch support.Drive issue resolution, technical excellence, and continuous improvement across vehicle programs.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 About GMOur 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 UsWe 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 OverviewFrom day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.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.AccommodationsGeneral Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at View phone number on click.appcast.io. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.SummaryLocation: Warren, Michigan, United States of AmericaType: Full time