Design Release Engineer - Cylinder Block Structure

General Motors; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking an experienced engineer to own production design release and supplier quality for engine cylinder blocks and structural hardware. You will drive root-cause analyses, implement engineering changes, and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure timely launches and cost-effective solutions.

You will lead design analyses, collaborate with suppliers, and ensure PPAP compliance across plants.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in automotive component release, quality, or manufacturing (powertrain preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with engineering change management and supplier quality processes.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and suppliers to improve quality, timing, and cost.
• Excellent communication skills for reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Generate and release engine cylinder blocks and structural hardware designs.
• Provide technical leadership for advanced component development.
• Perform complex design analysis and evaluate engineering designs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to implement cost reductions and product improvements.
• Manage engineering changes and ensure timely PPAP release at plants and suppliers.
• Collaborate with casting, machining, and gasket suppliers to reduce defects and improve quality.
• Conduct supplier process audits and drive corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Support validation of changes on dyno and vehicle per GM specs.
• Lead root cause analysis for field and warranty issues with containment actions.
• Communicate status and risk to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Stay current with new technology and competitive products.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Cross-functional influence

Engineering change mgmt

Supplier quality processes

Excellent communication

Travel readiness

Education

BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials Engineering

Tools

Teamcenter

PLM tools

CAE tools

Job description

Job 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

In this role you will be responsible for production design release, component sourcing and launch of engine cylinder blocks and structural hardware. In addition, key responsibilities will include root cause analysis and containment of warranty issues, managing engineering changes, and driving improvements in manufacturing quality.

What You'll Do

• Generate and execute technical solutions for engine cylinder blocks for GM propulsion programs.
• Provide technical leadership for advanced component or technology development.
• Perform complex design analysis and evaluate engineering designs.
• Work cross-functionally to implement cost reduction, methods and product improvements, and to support prototype and production build activities.
• Balance business imperatives, including but not limited to cost, mass, complexity, and timing.
• Manage engineering changes and ensure timely release, PPAP, and implementation at plants and suppliers.
• Collaborate with casting, machining, and gasket suppliers to improve manufacturing quality and reduce defects.
• Conduct supplier process audits and capability studies; drive corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Support validation of running changes on dyno and vehicle and ensure compliance with GM specifications and standards.
• Lead root cause analysis for field and warranty issues; develop and implement containment and corrective actions.
• Communicate status, risks, and issue-resolution plans to leadership, manufacturing, quality, and cross-functional program teams.
• Stay abreast of relevant new technology and competitive products.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials Engineering, or related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive component release, quality, or manufacturing (powertrain experience preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with engineering change management and supplier quality processes.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and suppliers to drive improvements in quality, timing, and cost.
• Excellent communication skills for concise technical reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Willingness to travel (domestic & international) for supplier and plant support as needed.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Direct experience with engine cylinder blocks.
• Experience with casting and machining processes.
• Knowledge of PPAP, APQP, and automotive quality standards and requirements.
• Familiarity with DFMEA and structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Red X, DFSS, fishbone).
• 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, and stamped components.
• Familiarity with CAE 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).

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.

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.

Accommodations

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