Design Release Engineer - Air Inlet Panel

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.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) to lead the design, integration, and execution of Air Inlet Panels (AIP) and Underhood Sight Shields (UHSS) across both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) platforms. This role requires strong technical leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to drive complex component integration within the underhood and plenum zones.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, and release of Air Inlet Panels and Underhood Sight Shields, ensuring alignment with overall vehicle architecture for both BEV and ICE programs.
• Engineer solutions that:
  • Manage water flow into the plenum zone and protect critical underhood components from water and debris.
  • Ensure proper airflow delivery to the HVAC system.
  • Support vehicle build variation strategies.
  • Enhance underhood appearance, perceived quality, and craftsmanship.
• Drive cross-component integration by partnering with DREs for Fenders, Windshields, Wiper Systems, Hoods, HVAC/Occupant Comfort, Electrical Systems, Plenum Metal, and Body Side Outers.
• Collaborate with Performance Engineering teams (Vulnerable Road User protection, Passenger Comfort, HVAC Airflow, Water Management, Vehicle Sealing, NVH, etc.) to ensure designs meet critical requirements.
• Work directly with Design Studio teams to ensure parts support aesthetic intent and overall vehicle theme.
• Partner with Purchasing in sourcing activities and collaborate with Supplier Quality to ensure dimensional, quality, and performance targets are met.
• Collaborate with manufacturing plants and PPO teams to address fit issues, part shortages, build concerns, and assembly-related challenges.
• Manage component validation testing, including timing and delivery of validation materials such as ADVP&R, RCL, VTC, VDC, and other required documentation.
• Coordinate with global engineering teams, supporting alignment with international requirements and local market needs when applicable.
• Write and manage Work Orders, and respond to PRTS/Test Incident Reports to support ongoing development and launch readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, or related field required)
• 5+ years of experience in Design Release Engineering or related product development roles.
• Proven success working cross-functionally within complex automotive development environments.
• Experience with supplier sourcing, validation testing, and quality assurance processes.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and program-management skills.

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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}.

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.

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