Design Release Engineer - Exterior Trim & Lighting Accessories

General Motors Corporation; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors Corporation in Warren, Michigan is seeking a Design Release Engineer for Exterior Trim & Lighting Accessories. You will design, develop, and release exterior trim and lighting components from concept to production.

You will manage specifications, CAD drawings, GD&T, tolerance analyses, and lead delivery through mass production while coordinating with cross‑functional teams and suppliers. A Bachelor’s in engineering with 3+ years in product development (exterior trim or lighting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years in product development engineering; exterior trim and/or lighting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of automotive exterior trim and lighting systems.
• Knowledge of automotive safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with DFMEA, DRBFM, DFSS, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Strong technical leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to apply structured problem-solving techniques to design and manufacturing challenges.

Responsibilities

• Design and release exterior trim and lighting components from concept to production.
• Create and manage engineering specifications, CAD models, drawings, GD&T and tolerance analyses.
• Lead component delivery from concept through mass production.
• Manage engineering changes, deviations, and issue resolution across the product lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams and suppliers.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Electrical knowledge

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

GD&T

DFMEA

DFSS / DRBFM

Job description

Design Release Engineer - Exterior Trim & Lighting Accessories### Design Release Engineer - Exterior Trim & Lighting AccessoriesApply: Hybrid: Warren, Michigan, United States of America: Full time: Posted Today: JR-202622168**Job Description**This role is categorized as hybrid. The selected candidate will be expected to work on-site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week, or as otherwise determined by the hiring leader.* **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 make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.****About the role:**As a Design Release Engineer – Exterior Trim & Lighting Accessories at General Motors, you will design, develop, and release exterior trim and lighting accessory components from concept through production. You will ensure that assigned components meet aesthetic, functional, manufacturing, quality, safety, regulatory, and warranty requirements.## Job Responsibilities* Design and develop exterior trim and lighting accessory components that meet vehicle, manufacturing, and customer requirements.* Create and manage engineering specifications, CAD models, drawings, GD&T, and tolerance analyses.* Lead component delivery from concept through launch and mass production.* Manage engineering changes, deviations, and issue resolution throughout the product lifecycle.* Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams and suppliers.* Ensure compliance with applicable safety, regulatory, and quality requirements.* Benchmark competitive designs and identify opportunities for improvement.* Analyze warranty and field data, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.* Apply DFMEA, DRBFM, DFSS, and structured problem-solving methods.* Use CAE and TcVis analyses to validate designs and predict performance.* Track engineering data, monitor trends, and drive continuous improvement.## Job Qualifications* Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.* Three or more years of experience in product development engineering; exterior trim and/or lighting experience preferred.* Knowledge of automotive exterior trim and lighting systems.* Knowledge of automotive safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements.* Experience with or understanding of DFMEA, DRBFM, DFSS, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.* Strong technical leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.* Ability to apply structured problem-solving techniques to design and manufacturing challenges.* Ability to analyze complex engineering data and make sound technical decisions.* Ability to learn and apply new technical information quickly.* Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. # **Sponsorship:** **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.)**#LI-JN1GM 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.