Design Release Engineer - Instrument Panel Structure

General Motors Africa & Middle East; United States; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking an Interior Design Release Engineer to lead IP structure development for instrument panel systems. You will drive design, validation, and integration across vehicle programs with a focus on safety, mass, cost, and quality.

Responsibilities include leading DFMEA/DRBFM activities, coordinating CAD workflows, and collaborating with CAE and cross‑functional teams to ensure robust, manufacturable designs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related Engineering.
• At least five years of experience developing steel, magnesium, or aluminum IP structures from product definition through launch.
• Experience with DFMEA/DRBFM, ADVP&R or validation plans, ICDs, PFMEA collaboration, CAD workflows, and release processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, analysis, integration, validation, and launch of IP structure subsystems across vehicle programs.
• Develop concepts and perform engineering evaluations using DFMEA, DRBFM, ICDs, PFMEA, CAE, and safety performance analysis.
• Package components and manage CAD development through GM or supplier designers; ensure design best practices and lead peer reviews.
• Lead product development team activities, track and resolve issues, and communicate progress, risks, decisions, and impacts.

Skills

IP structure design

DFMEA/DRBFM

CAD workflows

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Tool proficiency (NX, VisMockup)

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Automotive/Aerospace/Materials Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

VisMockup

Job description

Job Description This role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the selected candidate will be expected to work on‑site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week (or other frequency determined by their manager). 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 an Interior Design Release Engineer, you will help develop the instrument panel (IP) structures that support the displays, electronics, and customer‑facing features people see and interact with every day. You will serve as a technical authority for IP structures, leading engineering development, integration, validation, and launch with a focus on safety, quality, technical excellence, cost, mass, craftsmanship, performance, and flawless execution.

Responsibilities:

• Lead design, development, analysis, integration, validation, and launch of IP structure subsystems across vehicle programs.
• Develop concepts and perform engineering evaluations using DFMEA, DRBFM, ICDs, PFMEA, CAE, and safety performance analysis.
• Package components and manage CAD development through GM or supplier designers; ensure design best practices and lead peer reviews.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes including welded steel stampings, magnesium die castings, and hybrid plastic/metal overmolding.
• Collaborate with Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints, Creative Design, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers, and other partner organizations.
• Lead Product Development Team activities, track and resolve issues, and communicate progress, risks, decisions, and impacts.
• Balance cost, part count, mass, complexity, timing, content, and customer‑driven requirements while supporting configuration work and continuous improvement.
• Support Statement of Requirements development and lead Statements of Work; partner with CAE on FEA and robust design decisions.
• Apply benchmarking to guide competitive design direction, BOM strategies, features, and content.
• Lead change management using clear problem statements, alternatives, quantified impacts, decisions, and approvals.
• Maintain disciplined documentation, risk assessments, lessons learned, and engineering read‑across.
• Lead plant builds, supplier trials, DV/PV events, craftsmanship audits, and launch activities with an on‑time, quality‑focused mindset.
• Contribute to enterprise initiatives involving CAE‑driven design, virtual execution, automation, accelerated development, supply chain improvement, and global standards.
• Travel as needed during development, integration, and launch activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related Engineering.
• At least five years of experience developing steel, magnesium, or aluminum IP structures from product definition through launch.
• Experience with other components using these materials may also be considered.
• Demonstrated ownership of subsystem development, issue resolution, and delivery to vehicle development milestones.
• Detailed knowledge of IP structure performance requirements, applicable regulations, vehicle integration, component design, and design for manufacturability and automation.
• Experience with DFMEA/DRBFM, ADVP&R or validation plans, ICDs, PFMEA collaboration, CAD workflows, and release processes.
• Strong partnership with CAE, including Safety Performance, to validate designs and drive data‑based decisions.
• Strong project management, communication, problem‑solving, and influencing skills, with the ability to lead cross‑functional teams and elevate risks appropriately.
• Design for Six Sigma (DfSS) Green Belt certification within one year and Black Belt certification within two years of hire.
• Proficiency with CAD and visualization tools such as NX, VisMockup, or similar; Microsoft or Google Workspace; and applicable AI tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering.
• Ten to fifteen years of automotive or transportation engineering experience.
• DfSS Black Belt certification or higher.
• Concept math creation experience using NX or a similar CAD tool.

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.).

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.

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