Global Vehicle Hardware Engineering - Subsystem Validation Specialist

General Motors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Subsystem Validation Specialist to lead Fuel/DEF validation across vehicle programs, influencing readiness, guiding validation, and managing risk while collaborating with release teams, engineers, suppliers, and global partners. The role requires a Bachelor's in engineering, strong leadership, and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment.

It features hybrid on-site work at the Warren Tech Center with travel as needed and supports GM's Zero Crashes, Zero

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering; mechanical engineering preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in Fuel/DEF systems.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, able to lead without direct authority.
• Ability to learn new vehicle commodities and technical skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills across engineering tools and processes.
• Knowledge of Global Vehicle Development Process phases.

Responsibilities

• Own Fuel/DEF subsystem validation and serve as the technical expert.
• Drive timely, high-quality execution and communication of validation activities and deliverables.
• Provide validation status and risk recommendations at milestones.
• Evaluate VDDV results for assigned subsystems.
• Identify risks and elevate issues with clear recommendations.
• Travel to supplier/test-house locations as needed, primarily in Southeast Michigan.

Skills

Fuel/DEF systems

Technical leadership

Independent work

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

Jira

PRTS

DRBTR

Measurement tools

Job description

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

The Subsystem Validation Specialist provides technical leadership to help ensure GM products meet customer requirements. This role serves as the Fuel and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (Fuel/DEF) validation expert for release teams and executes or verifies subsystem validation across assigned vehicle programs and commodities, including Bumper/Fascia/Grille/Exterior Trim, IP/Console, Overhead and Hard Trim, Seats, Fuel/DEF, Suspension, and Tire/Wheel/Chassis Tools. As the Voice of Validation, you will influence product-readiness decisions, guide validation execution, identify and manage technical and regulatory risk, and help protect the customer through disciplined engineering judgment. This role offers broad exposure to release teams, program teams, suppliers, and global validation partners, as well as opportunities to coach Design Release Engineers and validation engineers. The successful candidate is a self-directed engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can apply a broad engineering skill set, including mechanical failure analysis, materials, Voice of the Customer, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, measurement, statistics, and program management. Through this work, you will help advance GM’s vision of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion.

Major Responsibilities

• Own Fuel/DEF subsystem validation and serve as the recognized technical expert for release teams and Core Product Development Teams.
• Drive timely, high-quality execution and communication of validation activities and deliverables, including Jira and Problem Resolution Tracking System (PRTS) items, Design Review Based on Test Results (DRBTR), change requests, peer reviews, test plans, and hardware requests.
• Provide validation status, product-readiness assessments, and risk recommendations at required Global Vehicle Development Process milestones.
• Evaluate Virtual Design, Development and Validation (VDDV) results for assigned subsystems.
• Identify technical and regulatory risks, assess impacts to validation readiness, drive system-level evaluation, and elevate issues with clear recommendations.
• Escalate regulatory compliance concerns to Safety and Regulatory teams.
• Communicate validation-complete readiness and ensure alignment with low-risk deviation guidelines.
• Manage applicable component compliance processes.
• Champion hardware reduction by reviewing hardware counts, usage, and cost estimates and coordinating approvals with Test Integration Engineering and director-level leaders.
• Assess new-product-development scope and workload impacts.
• Lead stretch assignments aligned with Level 7 expectations and expertise.
• Travel to supplier and test-house locations as needed, primarily in Southeast Michigan.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; mechanical engineering preferred based on commodity scope.
• Demonstrated expertise in Fuel/DEF systems.
• Strong technical leadership and influencing skills, including the ability to lead without direct authority and work independently.
• Strong learning agility and the ability to learn new vehicle commodities and technical skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills across engineering tools, processes, and procedures.
• Thorough understanding of validation tasks and deliverables across Global Vehicle Development Process phases.
• Ability to anticipate potential issues, develop targeted action plans, and drive complex assignments with minimal guidance.
• Ability to assess customer impact and risk when requirements are not met.
• Confidence to serve as an independent voice for the customer.
• Ability to collaborate effectively, motivate teams, and build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to drive improvements across teams and processes.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills across diverse teams and functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering; mechanical engineering preferred based on commodity scope.
• Five or more years of professional engineering experience, excluding internships and co-ops.
• Design Release Engineer and/or subsystem validation experience.
• Experience across multiple vehicle partition areas, including body structures or closures.
• Knowledge of the Global Vehicle Development Process.
• Demonstrated ability to drive complex, cross-functional issues to closure.
• Critical and creative thinking skills to identify and remove roadblocks.
• Ability to work effectively through ambiguity and provide structure and direction for others.
• Self-motivated, high-integrity approach to working independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects across programs.

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

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.

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.

Accommodations

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