Senior Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closures

General Motors LLC; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors LLC is seeking a Senior Design Release Engineer to lead the design, release, and integration of closure systems across vehicle programs. You will collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, CAE, and Dimensional Engineering to deliver high-quality subsystems from development through launch.

The role requires strong technical judgment, cross‑functional leadership, and broad experience with stamping, body manufacturing, and dimensional validation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• 5+ years as a Senior Design Release Engineer or equivalent in full‑cycle product development.
• Strong understanding of engineering operations, release processes, and vehicle program phases.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and program management skills.
• Ability to make decisions in ambiguous environments.
• Experience with global OEMs/suppliers and body manufacturing processes (stamping, welding, hemming, tolerancing, surface quality, Body/Closure Dimensional metrics).

Responsibilities

• Lead closure subsystem development and integration with Design, Manufacturing, CAE, Dimensional Engineering, and program teams to balance innovation with manufacturing constraints.
• Provide technical leadership in closure system design, integration, and best‑practice application while managing risk, timing, and quality.
• Lead the Product Development Team to meet all deliverables on time with strong integration and design fidelity; manage releases, sourcing, validation plans, and build readiness through the Vehicle Development Plan.
• Develop and execute dimensional strategy, including GD&T alignment with assembly strategy and dimensional capability; identify root causes of dimensional issues and partner with Manufacturing on process validation.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

DFSS

OPEX

Engineering judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

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

The Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) leads the design, engineering, and release of closure systems across vehicle programs. This role requires strong technical judgment, cross‑functional leadership, and the ability to deliver an integrated, balanced subsystem from early development through launch.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

Subsystem Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Lead closure subsystem development and integration with Design, Manufacturing, CAE, Dimensional Engineering, and program teams. Balance innovation, engineering requirements, manufacturing constraints, and program imperatives. Guide theme development, dimensional strategy, and interface alignment to ensure quality execution. Communicate effectively across internal and external partners.

Technical Ownership

Provide technical leadership in closure system design, integration, and best‑practice application. Apply knowledge of closure components, materials, regional differences, and competitive benchmarks. Drive subsystem innovation while managing risk, timing, and quality. Understand manufacturing processes across Stamping, Body, Paint, and General Assembly.

Product Development Team Leadership

Lead the PDT (Product Development Tram) to meet all deliverables on time with strong integration and design fidelity. Execute quality chain elements, system design reviews, and program milestones. Manage releases, sourcing, validation plans, and build readiness through the VDP (Vehicle Development Plan). Apply robust engineering tools (DFSS, OPEX) to optimize design and enable high‑quality launches.

Dimensional Strategy & Issue Resolution

Develop and execute dimensional strategy, including BIW assessments, fit strategy, capability analysis, and validation plans. Ensure GD&T aligns with assembly strategy and dimensional capability. Identify root causes of dimensional issues and partner with Manufacturing on process validation.

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• 5+ years as a DRE or equivalent in full‑cycle product development.
• Strong understanding of engineering operations, release processes, and vehicle program phases.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and program management skills.
• Ability to make decisions in ambiguous environments.
• Experience with global OEMs/suppliers and body manufacturing processes (stamping, welding, hemming, tolerancing, surface quality, Body/Closure Dimensional metrics).

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master of Science or other Advanced Degree.
• DFSS Black Belt Certification and Red X Journeyman.
• Experience in fixture design and product validation.
• Experience in budget plan development.
• Working knowledge of global regulations and physics‑based problem solving.

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 (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. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will only be provided for this role by passing the Motor Vehicle Report review.

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.

We are leading the change to make our world better, safer and more equitable for all through our actions and how we behave. Learn more about: Our Company Our Culture How we hire Our diverse team of employees bring their collective passion for engineering, technology and design to deliver on our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. We are looking for adventure‑seekers and imaginative thought leaders to help us transform mobility.

Explore our global locations We are determined to lead change for the world through technology, ingenuity and harnessing the creativity of our diverse team. Join us to help lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all by becoming a member of GM’s Talent Community (beamery.com). As a part of our Talent Community, you will receive updates about GM, open roles, career insights and more.