Senior Suspension DRE – Performance Damper Design and Release

generalmotors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Senior Suspension Design Release Engineer to own performance damper and suspension hardware for high‑performance programs. You will define specifications, ensure robust packaging, and lead validation efforts while coordinating with suppliers and vehicle dynamics teams to deliver world‑class ride and track performance.

You will manage design releases, DFMEA, BOMs, and DVP&R, driving on-time engineering changes within a hybrid work model and cross-functional program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering field.
• 5+ years experience in vehicle suspension design (Senior) or 3+ years (Design Release Engineer).
• Direct design/release responsibility for suspension/damper engineering.
• Strong damper design knowledge (valving, friction, durability, NVH).
• Solid suspension design and vehicle dynamics background.

Responsibilities

• Own design, release, and lifecycle of performance dampers and related suspension hardware for assigned programs.
• Define damper specifications aligned to ride and handling targets.
• Integrate dampers into the suspension system with packaging, travel management, and compatibility with springs and anti-roll systems.
• Collaborate with vehicle dynamics to translate targets into hardware specs for ride/track development.
• Plan and execute validation (dyno, K&C, rigs, vehicle durability and performance).
• Lead technical interface with suppliers on damper design, quality, timing and cost.
• Maintain core DRE documents and drive timely issue resolution and engineering changes.

Skills

Damper design knowledge

Vehicle dynamics

Mechanical design

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Project management

Testing and validation

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Job description

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 peopleas we aim to makedriving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Suspension Design Release Engineer or a Design Release Engineer who will be owning performance damper and suspension hardware for high-performance vehicles. This role combines deep damper technology expertise, strong suspension design skills, and vehicle dynamics knowledge to deliver best-in-class ride, handling, and track performance.

What You'll Do

• Own design, release, and lifecycle of performance dampers and related suspension hardware for assigned programs.

• Define damper specifications (force–velocity targets, tuning ranges, durability/NVH requirements) aligned to vehicle ride and handling targets.

• Integrate dampers into the suspension system, ensuring robust packaging, mounting, travel management, and compatibility with springs, bushings, and anti-roll systems.

• Partner with vehicle dynamics to translate attribute targets into hardware specs and support ride/handling and track development trips.

• Plan and execute validation (damper dyno, K&C, rig testing, vehicle-level durability and performance).

• Lead technical interface with suppliers on damper design, innovation, quality, timing, and cost.

• Maintain core DRE documents: drawings/3D models, DFMEA, BOM, DVP&R, and issue tracking; drive timely resolution of issues and engineering changes.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Senior Design Release Engineer (Level 7)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering field.

• 5+ years experience in vehicle suspension design

• Relevant experience in suspension/damper engineering with direct design/release responsibility.

• Strong knowledge of damper design and technology (internal architecture, valving concepts, friction, durability, NVH).

• Solid background in suspension design and vehicle dynamics (kinematics/compliance, spring–damper matching, ride/handling fundamentals).

• Experience with damper and suspension testing (dyno, K&C, rigs, vehicle evaluations) and related analysis tools.

• Proven ability to manage timing, cost, and quality in a cross-functional program environment.

• Clear, concise technical communication and effective collaboration with internal teams and suppliers.

Design Release Engineer (Level 6)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering field.

• 3+ years experience in vehicle suspension design

• Relevant experience in suspension/damper engineering with direct design/release responsibility.

• Strong knowledge of damper design and technology (internal architecture, valving concepts, friction, durability, NVH).

• Solid background in suspension design and vehicle dynamics (kinematics/compliance, spring–damper matching, ride/handling fundamentals).

• Experience with damper and suspension testing (dyno, K&C, rigs, vehicle evaluations) and related analysis tools.

• Proven ability to manage timing, cost, and quality in a cross-functional program environment.

• Clear, concise technical communication and effective collaboration with internal teams and suppliers.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience on performance or track-focused vehicle programs.

• Exposure to electronically controlled or semi-active dampers and chassis control systems.

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.

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.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

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