Design and Release Engineer - Seat Complete

General Motors; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is looking for a Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Seat Complete to lead the design and development of automotive seat systems for global vehicle programs. This hybrid role involves collaboration with global teams to deliver high-quality solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years of experience in automotive seat design, and strong leadership skills. Opportunities include working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful launches.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in automotive seat design and development.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a global environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering release processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complete automotive seat systems.
• Collaborate with global teams for seamless integration.
• Manage engineering release process in Workday/GM systems.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Customer-first mindset

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Teamcenter

Workday

Job 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 makedriving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale..

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Seat Complete to lead the design, development, and integration of automotive seat systems for a global vehicle program. In this role, you will drive end‑to‑end product development—from concept through production—while collaborating with global teams to deliver high‑quality, customer‑focused solutions.

This is a unique opportunity to influence vehicle interiors at scale, working across North America and global partners, including GM Korea (GMTCK), to ensure a successful launch and exceptional customer experience.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and development of complete automotive seat systems for a global program, ensuring performance, quality, and timing targets are achieved
• Collaborate with cross‑functional global teams (styling, packaging, manufacturing, and suppliers) to deliver seamless system integration
• Mentor and support developing engineers, providing guidance on issue resolution, warranty reduction, cost optimization, and launch readiness (MY27)
• Manage the engineering release process in Workday/GM systems, ensuring compliance with program timelines and quality standards
• Drive problem‑solving initiatives, identifying root causes and implementing innovative design solutions
• Conduct and support design reviews using tools like Teamcenter Visualization and contribute to data management and global collaboration
• Lead work streams aligned with structured project phases, ensuring strong documentation and execution discipline
• Ensure all designs meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and internal specifications
• Present program status, risks, and solutions to leadership and key stakeholders
• Support prototype builds, vehicle launches, and continuous improvement activities post‑launch

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in automotive seat design and development (Seat Complete preferred)
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross‑functional teams in a global environment
• Strong understanding of engineering release processes and product development cycles
• Experience with Teamcenter or similar CAD/PLM tools
• Background in structured project execution (e.g., Waterfall or equivalent program management frameworks)
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and leadership skills
• A strong customer‑first mindset with a passion for quality, innovation, and product excellence

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.)