Design Release Engineer - Hard Trim & Overhead Systems

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

Job summary

General Motors Company in Michigan seeks a Design Release Engineer for Interior Hard Trim and Overhead Systems to lead development and integration of injection molded hard trim and overhead components into vehicle interiors.

You will manage cross-functional teams, define requirements, balance design and cost, release components, and validate results through testing and analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or U.S. equivalent (mechanical preferred).
• 4+ years entry-level automotive experience.
• Experience using a structured engineering problem-solving process to define requirements, evaluate concepts, document decisions, and support testing or validation.
• Experience with 3D CAD, engineering drawings, basic GD&T, and dimensional evaluation.
• Hands-on experience with prototype builds, physical measurements, component fit, finish, ergonomics, or testing.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and present technical recommendations using Excel or PowerPoint.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and clear communication with engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, or other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate injection molded hard trim and overhead components into the vehicle interior.
• Define requirements and balance fit, finish, DFA/DFM, and cost.
• Release all components and approve validation results.
• Lead a cross-functional product development team with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchaising, and Suppliers.

Skills

3D CAD

Engineering drawings

GD&T

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Engineering problem-solving

Presentation of technical info

Hands-on prototype builds

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, or U.S. Equivalent (mechanical preferred)

Tools

NX/Unigraphics

Teamcenter

Vis Mockup

Job description

Design Release Engineer - Interior Hard Trim and Overhead Systems

At General Motors, we are building on our momentum and are changing the way we do things. We translate breakthrough technologies into vehicles and experiences that people love. We are seeking experienced, motivated engineers to support the next generation of industry-leading Interior Systems.

About the Interior Role:

As a Hard Trim and Overhead Systems Design Release Engineer (DRE), you will be responsible to develop and integrate injection molded hard trim and overhead components into the vehicle interior. Specific component integration that you will be responsible for include:

• Injection molded hard trim components.

• Headliner substrate.

• Overhead system components (lights, coat hooks, assist handles, etc.)

This position involves responsibility for development activities throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle including:

• Definition of requirements

• Design execution balancing imperatives (fit, finish, DFA, DFM, cost, etc.)

• Release of all components

• Approval of validation results

This role requires an engineer to lead and drive a cross-functional product development team including collaboration with the following groups:

• Within Engineering –

  • Engineering Design

  • Interior Restraints Systems

  • Adjacent Interior Components

  • Body Systems

  • CCC Overhead and Hard Trim components

  • Electrical System

  • HVAC System

  • Cargo Management System

• Outside of Engineering –

  • Creative Design

  • Purchasing

  • Ergonomics

  • Manufacturing

  • Value Added Assembler

  • Quality

  • Suppliers

Education Required:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or U.S. Equivalent (mechanical preferred)

Required Experience:

• 4+ years entry-level automotive experience
• Strong interest in learning about plastic materials, compression molding, and injection molding processes
• Experience using an engineering problem-solving process to define requirements, evaluate concepts, document decisions, and support testing or validation.
• Experience with 3D CAD, engineering drawings, basic GD&T, and dimensional evaluation.
• Hands‑on experience with prototype builds, physical measurements, component fit, finish, ergonomics, or testing.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams and communicating technical information clearly to engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, or other stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and present technical recommendations using tools such as Excel or PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, accountability, and willingness to learn within a structured engineering development environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Injection molding, compression molding, plastic materials, or interior trim experience.
• Automotive vehicle development, build, launch, or supplier experience.
• NX/Unigraphics, Teamcenter, Vis Mockup, or similar engineering tools.
• Exposure to DFMEA, PFMEA, DFSS, Red-X, structured problem solving, or PRTS.
• Experience evaluating fit, finish, tolerance variation, assembly ergonomics, or manufacturing feasibility.
• Experience supporting vehicle programs or collaborating with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and suppliers.