Design Release Engineer - Hard Trim & Overhead Systems

generalmotors; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Design Release Engineer for Interior Hard Trim and Overhead Systems in Warren, MI. You will lead the development and integration of injection molded hard trim and overhead components, driving cross-functional collaboration across engineering, design, purchasing, and manufacturing to ensure fit, finish, and reliability.

The role requires a BS in Engineering (mechanical preferred) and 4+ years in automotive design release, with strong CAD (3D) experience, GD&T, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or US-equivalent (mechanical preferred).
• 4+ years entry-level automotive experience.
• Experience with 3D CAD, engineering drawings, basic GD&T, and dimensional evaluation.
• Hands-on experience with prototype builds, physical measurements, component fit and ergonomics.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and clear technical communication with engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, or stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and present technical recommendations using Excel or PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive cross-functional product development activities.
• Define requirements and manage design execution balancing cost, fit, finish and DFA/DFM.
• Release of all hard trim and overhead components for interior systems.
• Approve validation results and support testing or validation.

Skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

NX/Unigraphics

Teamcenter

Vis Mockup

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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.

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

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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 your 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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