Design Release Engineer - Cylinder Block Structure

General Motors; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking an engineer to support production design release, component sourcing, and launch of internal combustion engine cylinder blocks and structural hardware. You will contribute to root-cause analysis, containment of warranty issues, and drive manufacturing quality improvements.

This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers to implement cost reductions, process improvements, and timely releases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 2+ years in automotive component release, quality, or manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Generate and execute technical solutions for engine cylinder blocks.
• Contribute to advanced component and technology development activities.
• Perform design analyses and evaluate engineering designs.
• Lead or support engineering changes and PPAP implementation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality and reduce defects.
• Communicate status and issues to leadership and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Teamcenter

CAE/CFD tools

Job description

Job Description About General Motors At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We are turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard—from breakthrough engine 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 work to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

In this role, you will support the production design release, component sourcing, and launch of internal combustion engine cylinder blocks and structural hardware. You will also contribute to root-cause analysis and containment of warranty issues, manage engineering changes, and drive improvements in manufacturing quality.

What You’ll Do

• Generate and execute technical solutions for engine cylinder blocks supporting GM propulsion programs.
• Contribute to advanced component and technology development activities.
• Perform design analyses and evaluate engineering designs.
• Work cross-functionally to implement cost reductions, process improvements, and product enhancements while supporting prototype and production builds.
• Balance business priorities, including cost, mass, complexity, quality, and timing.
• Manage engineering changes and support timely release, PPAP, and implementation at plants and suppliers.
• Collaborate with casting, machining, powder metal and gasket suppliers to improve manufacturing quality and reduce defects.
• Conduct supplier process audits and capability studies, and drive corrective actions for nonconformances.
• Support validation of running changes on dyno and vehicle programs while ensuring compliance with GM specifications and standards.
• Lead or support root-cause analysis for field and warranty issues, and develop and implement containment and corrective actions.
• Communicate status, risks, and issue-resolution plans to leadership, manufacturing, quality, and cross-functional program teams.
• Stay current on relevant technologies and competitive products.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in automotive component release, quality, manufacturing, or a related engineering discipline; powertrain experience is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with engineering change management and supplier quality processes.
• Ability to collaborate with and influence cross-functional teams and suppliers to drive improvements in quality, timing, and cost.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create concise technical reports and communicate with stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for supplier and plant support as needed.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Direct experience with engine cylinder blocks or cylinder heads.
• Experience with casting and machining processes.
• Knowledge of PPAP, APQP, automotive quality standards, and related requirements.
• Familiarity with DFMEA and structured problem-solving methodologies, such as Red X, DFSS, and fishbone analysis.
• Experience with Teamcenter or similar PLM tools for part release, BOM management, and drawing control.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance analysis for cast, machined, forged and stamped components.
• Familiarity with CAE and/or CFD methods and tools.

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).

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