Senior Design Release Engineer - Exterior Hardware and Sunroofs

Description

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.

The Role

Our team is responsible for Exterior Hardware including Door Hardware Modules, Latches, Inside/Outside Handles, Release Cables, Window Regulators, Struts, Actuators, Latches, Switches, Sunroofs, Convertibles, and Targa Roof Systems. We’re seeking a proactive individual contributor with experience in movable roof systems and a passion for developing new subsystems. Success in this role requires broad technical knowledge, creativity, leadership, and independent thinking.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

Develop subsystem requirements and sourcing packages

Manage PDT timing through GVDP milestones

Ensure timely execution of tool kick-off (TKO), material required dates (MRDs), peer reviews, and component review valves

Coordinate validation and verification activities

Lead the product development team (PDT) through subsystem launch

This role demands strong leadership to guide a cross-functional PDT—including suppliers and internal GM teams in Styling, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality. Ideal candidates will have excellent communication and project management skills, a drive to tackle complex challenges, and a desire to deepen technical expertise in movable roof systems.

There are multiple hiring managers looking to fill positions in the following areas:

Exterior Hardware

Sunroofs

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

Lead design release of Exterior Hardware components

Manage cross-functional Product Development Teams (PDTs), including supplier-integrated (SI3, SI2) and build-to-print (SI1) systems

Ensure accuracy of requirements, CAE standard work, GMWs, and AV DVP&R templates

Coordinate system integration into vehicle architecture

Drive program timing and cost targets; maintain cost controls

Support DFMEA development and updates

Develop and maintain Interface Control Document (ICD) strategy and templates

Ensure timely completion of peer reviews and component review valves

Oversee system and component-level verification and validation

Author Engineering Work Orders for prototype and production releases

Package hardware components and troubleshoot issues at both component and vehicle levels

Resolve issues via Problem Resolution Tracking System

Collaborate across GM functions and manage multiple suppliers

Lead and support supplier resident engineers

Contribute to sourcing activities and technical solutions for new programs

Perform complex design analysis and initiate engineering documentation

Partner with engineering, suppliers, and plant teams to implement cost reductions, product improvements, and support build events

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

BS in Engineering required.

5 years of engineering and product development experience

Experience with actuated kinematic systems

Proficient in writing and interpreting hardware requirements

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Solid understanding of materials, engineering theory, and design principles

Ability to multitask and manage concurrent activities effectively

Familiarity with vehicle system integration and Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive projects to completion

Knowledge of DFSS and Red X methodologies

Experience with Teamcenter

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

MS in Engineering

Knowledge of hardware development, testing and associated tools.

FIT DFMEA training

Direct experience with Exterior Hardware design and development

Launch experience

Red X Training

DFSS Blackbelt Certified

#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.

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.

Total Rewards | Benefits Overview

From 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.

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