Design Release Engineer - Mechatronics Hardware

General Motors; Milford (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

GM vehicle discounts

Retirement plan

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Design Release Engineer to drive design, development, and release of mechatronics hardware across vehicle sensing, access, chassis, and propulsion electronics. You will lead cross-functional teams, coordinate component integration, and ensure program milestones are met.

The role emphasizes design validation, interface control, and collaboration with suppliers to deliver robust vehicle systems and cost-effective improvements. This is a full-time on-site position at GM.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering required or preferred.
• Experience with Component Statement of Requirements (SOR) and Component Technical Specification (CTS) development.
• Experience with automotive PPAP quality processes.
• DFMEA training or equivalent quality methods.
• Experience balancing risks across projects, suppliers, quality, and production.
• Experience working with build-to-print suppliers and CCC.
• Prior experience negotiating contracts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design and validation for mechatronics hardware calibrations and software.
• Lead PDT meetings to coordinate integration of components into the vehicle.
• Support DFMEA development and updates.
• Create ICD strategy and templates for interface control.
• Write Engineering Work Orders to release components for prototype and production.
• Prepare timing plans aligning with MRD dates and program requirements.
• Troubleshoot component and vehicle issues using PRTS-Jira.
• Generate CTS for mechatronic devices and maintain documentation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with GM and multiple suppliers.
• Lead supplier resident engineers and support sourcing activities (SOR, RFI, SODW).
• Develop technical solutions for new vehicle programs and perform complex design analyses.

Skills

DFMEA

CTS development

PPAP

DRE Essentials

Risk balancing

Supplier management

Cost reduction

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

Job Description

Our Mission:
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.

The Role:

We are looking for a highly motivated individual contributor to fill roles across the Mechatronics Hardware domain, and a desire to work as a Design Release Engineer (DRE). This role will support a broad range of mechatronics devices across our portfolio of vehicle sensing, vehicle access, chassis, and propulsion electronic device hardware.

Broad technical knowledge combined with creative and independent thinking are needed to be successful in this role.

This DRE will be responsible for the design, development and release of requirements, hardware and validation for in-cabin sensing, driveline and transmission controllers, engine and high voltage electronics (VICM/BECM/ECM/PCM), and/or vehicle access control hardware.

This DRE will implement relevant component release strategies supporting the GM Vehicle Intelligence Platform and Software Defined Vehicle product roadmaps.

This DRE performs complex assignments requiring a wider application of principles, theories, and concepts.

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee design and validation for mechatronics hardware calibrations, and application software.

• Run Product Development Team (PDT) meetings to coordinate the development and integration of the [insert component/system] into the vehicle.

• Support DFMEA development and updates.

• Create and maintain Interface Control Document (ICD) strategy and ICD templates.

• Author Engineering Work Orders to release the components for prototype and production vehicles.

• Prepare timing plans that ensure all program requirements and MRD dates are met.

• Troubleshoot component and vehicle level issues utilizing the Problem Resolution Tracking System (PRTS-Jira).

• Generate and maintain Component Technical Specifications (CTS) for mechatronic devices.

• Close the Loop on learnings by updating required information (Best Practices, GM Specifications, Statement of Requirements, Template, etc.).

• Work cross-functionally within GM, coordinating multiple suppliers.

• Lead/manage supplier resident engineers.

• Support sourcing activities, including creation of Statement of Requirements (SOR), Request for Information (RFI), and Statement of Development Work (SODW).

• Generate technical solutions for new vehicle programs.

• Perform complex design analysis.

• Initiate documents to provide engineering authority and to maintain math/CAD data.

• Work with engineering functions, suppliers, plant personnel, and others to implement cost reduction, methods, and product improvements, and to support build programs.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• Master’s degree in Engineering

• Experience with Component Statement of Requirements (SOR) and Component Technical Specification (CTS) development

• Experience with automotive PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) quality processes

• Experience with “DRE Essentials” methods and tools

• Experience in balancing and mitigating risks with projects, suppliers, quality, and production

• DFMEA training

• DFSS Black Belt Certification, Red X, and/or OpEx experience

• Design/Development of Safety Critical Systems/Components

• Prior experience negotiating contracts

• Prior experience working with build-to-print suppliers

• Prior experience working with Corporate Common Components (CCC)

#LI-SW1

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, H4 EAD, J-1, etc.)

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Why Join Us

At GM, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles. You’ll work on cutting-edge antenna systems alongside some of the brightest minds in automotive and RF technology — with the resources to make an impact at scale. We offer competitive compensation, growth opportunities, and a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and forward thinking. This is a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and help millions of customers around the world stay connected on the move.

Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits : GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

Diversity Information

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that workforce diversity creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. We understand and embrace the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteeropportunities.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications and apply for any positions that match your skills and capabilities.

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.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their 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

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, 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.