Design and Release Engineer -Seat Structure

General Motors Africa & Middle East; Warren, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors in Warren, MI seeks a Senior Rear Seat Structure Design Release Engineer to own rear seat subsystems from concept through launch. You will define requirements, lead design and integration, and steer cross‑functional teams to robust, on‑time releases.

The role demands 5+ years in product development, strong 3D data interpretation, and DFSS/QMS familiarity. Hybrid work setup with on‑site collaboration in Warren, MI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical or related).
• Minimum 5 years in product development, preferably with structural components or seating systems.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret 3D math data; review designs using Vis-Mock-up or equivalent.
• Strong engineering fundamentals; connect system performance to component design decisions.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of rear seat structures for large-scope programs.
• Own and develop SORs for rear seat subsystems; partner with safety, CAE, manufacturing, NVH.
• Lead design reviews for rear seat structures; ensure safety and program targets.
• Define ICDs for interfaces; finalize agreements and resolve conflicts.
• Lead the Product Development Team for components; manage timing, parts lists, and DFMA.
• Conduct trade-off studies on cost, mass, timing, manufacturability, safety, and quality.
• Release production designs on time meeting all requirements.
• Perform design fidelity reviews at GVDP milestones.

Skills

3D data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent judgment

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Vis-Mock-up

DFSS

Job description

## Design and Release Engineer -Seat StructureApply: Hybrid: Warren, Michigan, United States of America: Full time: Posted Today: JR-202620449**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, we are redefining mobility through human-centered design and advanced engineering. Our teams create vehicles and experiences that go beyond transportation—delivering safety, intelligence, and connectivity at scale** **About the Role:**The Senior Rear Seat Structure Design Release Engineer is the **technical owner** for rear seat structures and key components from concept through launch and into production. You will define system requirements, lead design and integration, and drive robust execution with a high level of **independent judgment, creativity, and technical leadership**. Prior experience leading seating structure and/or component development across multiple vehicle launches is strongly preferred. **Key Responsibilities:*** Lead **design, development, and integration** of highly complex rear seat structures for large-scope vehicle programs.* Own and develop **SORs (Statement of Requirements)** for rear seat structure subsystems, partnering with safety, CAE, manufacturing, durability, NVH, and other subject-matter teams.* Lead **design and technical reviews** for rear seat structures and subsystems, ensuring design robustness, safety compliance, and alignment to program targets.* Define and maintain **Interface Control Documents (ICDs)** for component and subsystem interfaces; negotiate and finalize interface agreements with interfacing systems and resolve conflicts effectively.* Lead the **Product Development Team (PDT)** for assigned components/subsystems, including timing, parts lists, DFM/DFMA considerations, issue tracking, and risk mitigation.* Conduct trade-off studies and recommend directions based on **cost, mass, timing, manufacturability, complexity, safety, and quality** imperatives.* Release production designs on time, ensuring they meet all commodity, regulatory, performance, and quality requirements.* Conduct engineering and design reviews to help ensure **100% design fidelity** and readiness at each GVDP milestone.* Act as the primary technical interface, clearly communicating information to and from internal and external organizations (program teams, plants, suppliers, CAE, validation, purchasing, quality).* **Lead the launch** of new vehicle programs for rear seat structure subsystems at assembly plants and supplier facilities, including build support, issue resolution, and change management.* Lead focused **problem-solving efforts** on significant cost, quality, safety, and warranty issues on seat programs, driving permanent corrective actions and lessons learned. **Required Education, Experience & Skills:*** **Bachelor of Science in Engineering** (Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline).* **Minimum 5 years** of experience in product development, preferably with structural components or seating systems.* Demonstrated ability to read, analyze, and interpret **3D math data** and review designs using tools such as Vis-Mock-up or equivalent.* Strong foundation in **engineering fundamentals and mechanics**, with the ability to connect system-level performance to component-level design decisions.* Proven ability to work independently, make sound technical judgments, and drive issues to closure in a fast-paced environment.* Strong organizational and **tactical planning skills** (macro/micro/personal) to manage multiple programs and deadlines.* Ability to travel up to **15%** (plant builds, supplier visits, test events, and launch support). **Preferred Skills & Experience:*** **Product Design Release** experience with ownership of components or systems through multiple GVDP cycles.* Working knowledge of **product development processes**, FMVSS regulations, and vehicle-level requirements, including familiarity with GVDP milestones, deliverables, and sign-off criteria.* Prior experience with **automotive OEM** product development (seating or body structures strongly preferred).* Experience applying **DFSS** tools for component selection and design robustness; DFSS certification is a plus.* Demonstrated capability with **structured problem-solving methodologies** (e.g., Red-X, 8D, root-cause analysis).* Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence decisions and align diverse stakeholders around a technical direction. **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.)**