Design Release Engineer - Driveline

General Motors; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors’ Driveline Design Release Engineer role leads the definition, development, integration, release and launch of driveline components and systems, ensuring hardware meets vehicle and system requirements while delivering program imperatives for performance, cost, mass and quality.

The position involves collaboration with GM teams, suppliers and plants, with periodic work at Milford Proving Grounds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Three or more years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience with vehicle development processes and engineering operations.
• Competency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Google Office Tools.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively across multiple functions and organizations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to address unusual or difficult technical issues.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment while working with general direction from a supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Define driveline component and subsystem requirements, design solutions, analysis, development, integration and release activities across multiple cycles of the Vehicle Development Process.
• Create System Requirement Documents (SORs), Component Technical Specifications (CTSs) and related requirements documentation; ensure compliance throughout the program.
• Define and manage Interface Control Document (ICD) requirements for the various Driveline components, negotiate interfaces with surrounding components and systems, and drive resolution of integration issues.
• Lead the Product Development Team (PDT) for assigned driveline components and subsystems, including timing, parts lists, design for manufacturing and assembly and change management.
• Lead Product Readiness Team (PRT) activities to track changes, upcoming builds, readiness actions and program deliverables.
• Drive and track activities with component DREs to develop design solutions that meet program imperatives.
• Perform design studies and alternative analyses, making recommendations based on performance, cost, mass, timing, design for assembly, variation and other program requirements.
• Integrate torque-transfer systems to balance vehicle performance, driveline hardware capability and chassis and propulsion control objectives.
• Develop system and vehicle test plans for load collection and performance development; support test execution, instrumentation setup, data processing and analysis.
• Support driveline calibration development, vehicle test preparation, dyno test cell activities, ride trips, captured‑fleet performance reviews and customer complaint remediation.
• Work at the Milford Proving Grounds as needed for chassis and driveline vehicle development testing and integration.
• Coordinate with GM and supplier Test and Validation Engineers to develop and execute complete validation plans and ensure timely reporting of results.
• Release driveline components and subsystems for use at vehicle assembly plants and ensure the correct parts are ordered for pre‑production vehicle builds.
• Coordinate engineering activities with suppliers, Supplier Quality, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Validation, Powertrain, Chassis Controls, Propulsion Controls, Occupant Safety, Design, Finance and other functions to ensure product requirements and program imperatives are met.
• Work closely with GM component and vehicle assembly plants to quickly root cause manufacturing and build issues and implement corrective actions.
• Lead problem‑solving efforts for PRTS issues, test and build incidents and other product concerns through closure within required timing.
• Lead and participate in DFMEA, DFA, technical, peer and design review activities.
• Root cause warranty issues and test failures, then drive solutions that improve product robustness and customer satisfaction.
• Support production launch and continuous improvement activities for the assigned driveline systems.
• Develop and implement cost‑reduction and cost‑optimization activities; track implementation timing and drive actions to closure.
• Review current product warranty data and address emerging driveline issues.
• Communicate information to and from internal and external customer organizations as required.
• Mentor component and subsystem engineers in managing simultaneous program imperatives.
• Stay abreast of new driveline technology and communicate lessons learned with the Global Subsystem Leadership Team to enhance corporate knowledge.
• Travel as required for supplier, plant, test and vehicle development activities (<10% of time).

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Independent and collaborative work

Strong communication skills

Vehicle development process experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Google Office Tools

Job description

Role

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 posting is seeking a driven Driveline Design Release Engineer to lead the definition, development, integration, release, and launch of driveline components and systems. The role has a strong systems, design, analysis and integration focus, with responsibility for ensuring driveline hardware meets vehicle and system requirements while delivering program imperatives for performance, cost, mass, timing, manufacturability and quality. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with program teams, GM component and vehicle assembly plants, Milford Proving Grounds, suppliers and numerous organizations across GM, including Powertrain, Chassis Controls, Propulsion Controls, Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, Validation, Finance, Occupant Safety and Vehicle Integration. The selected engineer will join a collaborative team with support from the subsystem lead, technical specialists, engineering group manager, and DRE peers. Note that this role has the option to work periodically out of our Milford location and spend time in the vehicles at that location.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

• Define driveline component and subsystem requirements, design solutions, analysis, development, integration and release activities across multiple cycles of the Vehicle Development Process.
• Create System Requirement Documents (SORs), Component Technical Specifications (CTSs) and related requirements documentation; ensure compliance throughout the program.
• Define and manage Interface Control Document (ICD) requirements for the various Driveline components, negotiate interfaces with surrounding components and systems, and drive resolution of integration issues.
• Lead the Product Development Team (PDT) for assigned driveline components and subsystems, including timing, parts lists, design for manufacturing and assembly and change management.
• Lead Product Readiness Team (PRT) activities to track changes, upcoming builds, readiness actions and program deliverables.
• Drive and track activities with component DREs to develop design solutions that meet program imperatives.
• Perform design studies and alternative analyses, making recommendations based on performance, cost, mass, timing, design for assembly, variation and other program requirements.
• Integrate torque-transfer systems to balance vehicle performance, driveline hardware capability and chassis and propulsion control objectives.
• Develop system and vehicle test plans for load collection and performance development; support test execution, instrumentation setup, data processing and analysis.
• Support driveline calibration development, vehicle test preparation, dyno test cell activities, ride trips, captured‑fleet performance reviews and customer complaint remediation.
• Work at the Milford Proving Grounds as needed for chassis and driveline vehicle development testing and integration.
• Coordinate with GM and supplier Test and Validation Engineers to develop and execute complete validation plans and ensure timely reporting of results.
• Release driveline components and subsystems for use at vehicle assembly plants and ensure the correct parts are ordered for pre‑production vehicle builds.
• Coordinate engineering activities with suppliers, Supplier Quality, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Validation, Powertrain, Chassis Controls, Propulsion Controls, Occupant Safety, Design, Finance and other functions to ensure product requirements and program imperatives are met.
• Work closely with GM component and vehicle assembly plants to quickly root cause manufacturing and build issues and implement corrective actions.
• Lead problem‑solving efforts for PRTS issues, test and build incidents and other product concerns through closure within required timing.
• Lead and participate in DFMEA, DFA, technical, peer and design review activities.
• Root cause warranty issues and test failures, then drive solutions that improve product robustness and customer satisfaction.
• Support production launch and continuous improvement activities for the assigned driveline systems.
• Develop and implement cost‑reduction and cost‑optimization activities; track implementation timing and drive actions to closure.
• Review current product warranty data and address emerging driveline issues.
• Communicate information to and from internal and external customer organizations as required.
• Mentor component and subsystem engineers in managing simultaneous program imperatives.
• Stay abreast of new driveline technology and communicate lessons learned with the Global Subsystem Leadership Team to enhance corporate knowledge.
• Travel as required for supplier, plant, test and vehicle development activities (<10% of time).

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Three or more years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience with vehicle development processes and engineering operations.
• Competency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Google Office Tools.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively across multiple functions and organizations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to address unusual or difficult technical issues.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment while working with general direction from a supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as engineering or business.
• Five or more years of relevant engineering experience.
• DFSS Black Belt certification. If not yet certified, we would work together to support certification.
• Familiarity and demonstrated competence with GM tools and processes, including ECM, PRTS, Teamcenter/VAS, VIS Mockup, UGNX and CAE.
• Experience with driveline, axle, torque‑transfer, chassis or related vehicle systems.
• Experience with vehicle‑level integration, calibration development, instrumentation, dyno testing or proving‑ground testing.
• Familiarity with component and subsystem validation test methods and reporting.
• Experience developing SOR, CTS, SSTS, VTS, ICD, DFMEA, DFA and related engineering documentation.
• Familiarity and experience working through the elements of the GM Quality Chain.
• Familiarity with component and vehicle manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated project management, technical leadership or team leadership experience.
• High level of oral and written communication skills.
• General interest and ability in systems integration and vehicle‑level performance understanding.
• Experience working with suppliers, manufacturing plants, Supplier Quality, Purchasing and cross‑functional program teams.

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.

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. 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.

Accommodations

GeneralMotors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application, email us or call us at 1‑800‑865‑7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

We are leading the change to make our world better, safer and more equitable for all through our actions and how we behave. Learn more about: Our Company Our Culture How we hire Our diverse team of employees bring their collective passion for engineering, technology and design to deliver on our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. We are looking for adventure‑seekers and imaginative thought leaders to help us transform mobility.