Senior Design Release Engineer - Engine Cylinder Heads and Head Gaskets

General Motors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors in Warren, MI is seeking an experienced engineer to lead production design release for engine cylinder heads and head gaskets. You will drive supplier quality and cross-functional initiatives with a focus on cost, timing, and quality improvements.

Responsibilities include PPAP releases, design evaluation, and root-cause analysis for warranty issues. This role requires collaboration across GM plants and suppliers, with travel as needed and a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in automotive component release, quality, or manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Generate and execute technical solutions for engine cylinder heads and head gaskets for GM engine programs.
• Provide technical leadership for advanced component or technology development.
• Perform complex design analysis and evaluate engineering designs.
• Work cross-functionally to implement cost reduction, methods and product improvements, and to support prototype and production build activities.
• Balance business imperatives, including but not limited to cost, mass, complexity, and timing.
• Manage engineering changes and ensure timely release, PPAP, and implementation at plants and suppliers.
• Collaborate with casting, machining, and gasket suppliers to improve manufacturing quality and reduce defects.
• Conduct supplier process audits and capability studies; drive corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Support validation of running changes on dyno and vehicle and ensure compliance with GM specifications and standards.
• Lead root cause analysis for field and warranty issues; develop and implement containment and corrective actions.
• Communicate status, risks, and issue-resolution plans to leadership, manufacturing, quality, and cross-functional program teams.
• Stay abreast of relevant new technology and competitive products.

Skills

Automotive release experience

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier quality processes

Problem solving

Excellent communication

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Teamcenter PLM

Minitab / data analysis

Job description

Job Description

In this role you will be responsible for production design release, component sourcing and launch of engine cylinder heads and head gaskets. In addition, key responsibilities will include root cause analysis and containment of warranty issues, managing engineering changes, and driving improvements in manufacturing quality.

Responsibilities

• Generate and execute technical solutions for engine cylinder heads and head gaskets for GM engine programs.
• Provide technical leadership for advanced component or technology development.
• Perform complex design analysis and evaluate engineering designs.
• Work cross-functionally to implement cost reduction, methods and product improvements, and to support prototype and production build activities.
• Balance business imperatives, including but not limited to cost, mass, complexity, and timing.
• Manage engineering changes and ensure timely release, PPAP, and implementation at plants and suppliers.
• Collaborate with casting, machining, and gasket suppliers to improve manufacturing quality and reduce defects.
• Conduct supplier process audits and capability studies; drive corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Support validation of running changes on dyno and vehicle and ensure compliance with GM specifications and standards.
• Lead root cause analysis for field and warranty issues; develop and implement containment and corrective actions.
• Communicate status, risks, and issue-resolution plans to leadership, manufacturing, quality, and cross-functional program teams.
• Stay abreast of relevant new technology and competitive products.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials Engineering, or related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive component release, quality, or manufacturing (powertrain experience preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with engineering change management and supplier quality processes.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and suppliers to drive improvements in quality, timing, and cost.
• Excellent communication skills for concise technical reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Willingness to travel (domestic & international) to suppliers and GM plants as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with engine cylinder heads and head gaskets.
• Experience with casting and machining processes.
• Experience with stamping/coating processes.
• Knowledge of PPAP, APQP, and automotive quality standards and requirements.
• Familiarity with DFMEA and structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Red X, DFSS, fishbone).
• Experience with Teamcenter or similar PLM tools for part release, BOM management, and drawing control.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance analysis for cast, machined, and stamped components.
• Familiarity with CAE methods and tools.

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., H1-B, 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. Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.

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