Design Release Engineer - Instrument Panel Structure

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

At 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:

As an Interior Design Release Engineer, you will help develop the instrument panel (IP) structures that support the displays, electronics, and customer-facing features people see and interact with every day.

You will serve as a technical authority for IP structures, leading engineering development, integration, validation, and launch with a focus on safety, quality, technical excellence, cost, mass, craftsmanship, performance, and flawless execution.

Responsibili ties:

Lead design, development, analysis, integration, validation, and launch of IP structure subsystems across vehicle programs.

Develop concepts and perform engineering evaluations using DFMEA, DRBFM, ICDs, PFMEA, CAE, and safety performance analysis.

Package components and manage CAD development through GM or supplier designers; ensure design best practices and lead peer reviews.

Evaluate manufacturing processes including welded steel stampings, magnesium die castings, and hybrid plastic/metal overmolding.

Collaborate with Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints, Creative Design, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers, and other partner organizations.

Lead Product Development Team activities, track and resolve issues, and communicate progress, risks, decisions, and impacts.

Balance cost, part count, mass, complexity, timing, content, and customer-driven requirements while supporting configuration work and continuous improvement.

Support Statement of Requirements development and lead Statements of Work; partner with CAE on FEA and robust design decisions.

Apply benchmarking to guide competitive design direction, BOM strategies, features, and content.

Lead change management using clear problem statements, alternatives, quantified impacts, decisions, and approvals.

Maintain disciplined documentation, risk assessments, lessons learned, and engineering read-across.

Lead plant builds, supplier trials, DV/PV events, craftsmanship audits, and launch activities with an on-time, quality-focused mindset.

Contribute to enterprise initiatives involving CAE-driven design, virtual execution, automation, accelerated development, supply chain improvement, and global standards.

Travel as needed during development, integration, and launch activities.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related Engineering.

At least five years of experience developing steel, magnesium, or aluminum IP structures from product definition through launch. Experience with other components using these materials may also be considered.

Demonstrated ownership of subsystem development, issue resolution, and delivery to vehicle development milestones.

Detailed knowledge of IP structure performance requirements, applicable regulations, vehicle integration, component design, and design for manufacturability and automation.

Experience with DFMEA/DRBFM, ADVP&R or validation plans, ICDs, PFMEA collaboration, CAD workflows, and release processes.

Strong partnership with CAE, including Safety Performance, to validate designs and drive data-based decisions.

Strong project management, communication, problem-solving, and influencing skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and escalate risks appropriately.

Design for Six Sigma (DfSS) Green Belt certification within one year and Black Belt certification within two years of hire.

Proficiency with CAD and visualization tools such as NX, VisMockup, or similar; Microsoft or Google Workspace; and applicable AI tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Engineering.

Ten to fifteen years of automotive or transportation engineering experience.

DfSS Black Belt certification or higher.

Concept math creation experience using NX or a similar CAD tool.

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 <25% for this role.

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

About GM

Our 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 Us 

We 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.

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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.

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