Job Description
This role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the selected candidate will be expected to work on‑site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week (or other frequency determined by their manager).
This role is not eligible for relocation.
About the role:
As a Product Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closure System Lead Engineer, you will own the design, engineering, and release of closure systems across multiple vehicle programs. You will lead cross-functional product development teams to deliver integrated, high-quality closure subsystems that balance innovation, performance, cost, mass, and manufacturability.
This role requires strong technical depth in closures, proven leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate across functions and regions to deliver high-quality products on time.
Key Responsibilities:
System Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Lead closure subsystem development and integration with cross-functional partners to achieve robust solutions with balanced imperatives.
Support system architects and lead integrators to guide studio, program, and manufacturing teams toward integrated solutions that balance innovation, content, and manufacturing constraints.
Support development and validation of the dimensional strategy for the subsystem and interfacing components.
Effectively negotiate trade-offs with cross-functional partners to arrive at balanced solutions.
Collaborate extensively with Body Manufacturing, Body Shop, General Assembly, VDDV/CAE Engineers to balance subsystem requirements, SSTS requirements, packaging, and dimensional needs.
Ensure theme development enables high quality and on-time execution.
Lead the development of studies and alternatives, recommending program direction based on cost, mass, timing, DFMEA, quality, and other key imperatives.
Communicate information clearly to and from internal and external customer organizations.
Technical Leadership in Closure Subsystems:
Apply a strong understanding of SSTS at a high level to enable adaptation to new vehicles and innovation programs.
Demonstrate deep technical knowledge of closure systems and system integration, including components such as latches, hinges, counterbalances, power actuators, handles, and sensors.
Lead subsystem innovation, balancing risk and reach with quality and on-time execution.
Understand region-specific differences in materials, processes, and requirements.
Maintain knowledge of competitive benchmarks and trends in closure subsystems.
Engage with the TS team and act as an active leader in GSSLT.
Drive the development and implementation of subsystem best practices, and effectively share learnings across programs/platforms/AVDC.
Apply strong knowledge of manufacturing processes for closure systems across Stamping, Body, Paint, and GA.
Product Development Team (PDT) & Program Execution:
Lead the Product Development Team (PDT) to meet all deliverables on time while managing imperatives and providing integrated solutions across multiple programs.
Run effective subsystem PDT meetings, driving alignment, issue resolution, and execution.
Lead the PDT to execute quality chain elements with rigor and excellence.
Co-lead System Design Reviews, Peer Reviews, DRBTR Reviews to ensure 100% design fidelity and best-practice compliance, with a strong focus on interfaces and integration.
Drive completion of key deliverables through the Vehicle Development Process (VDP) utilizing PDT and component timing plans, including:
Math releases
SORs and sourcing
Tool kick-offs
Test-ready properties and validation
ICDs, CRVs, MRDs for build events
PPAP completion
Demonstrate working knowledge of GM systems and processes (ECR, PRTS, eMerge, PPAP, TWOs, etc.).
Co-lead development, execution, and approval of validation plans for subsystems.
Lead PDT, SQ, and Purchasing teams to enable on-time sourcing of qualified suppliers.
Use Robust Engineering tools (DFSS, OPEX, etc.) to optimize product design.
Launch & Dimensional Quality:
Lead development and execution of the dimensional strategy, including BIW foundation assessment, fit strategy, capability assessments, and validation, utilizing VSM, CAE plans, matching, and slow builds.
Ensure GD&T strategy is aligned with dimensional capability and assembly strategy.
Determine the root cause of dimensional issues and drive robust corrective actions.
Work with Manufacturing to develop closure system process validation plans that support high-quality, on-time launches.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Minimum 5 years of experience as a Design Release Engineer (DRE) or equivalent, with new product development experience across all vehicle development cycles (concept through launch) for systems and subsystems.
Proficient in engineering operations, specification and release processes, and best practices.
Experience across all phases of a vehicle program.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and influence others.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
Extensive analytical ability to solve complex, difficult problems.
Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and enable timely decision-making.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong program management skills, including planning, prioritization, and risk management.
Working knowledge of global regulations related to closures and body systems.
Strong physics-based and methodical problem-solving skills.
Experience working with overseas automotive OEMs and suppliers.
Experience with Body manufacturing processes, including:
Stamping formability
Welding and hemming
Datum and tolerancing
Surface quality standards
ABC metrics
GDIS (Global Dimensional Information System)
Preferred Qualifications:
Master of Science or other advanced engineering degree.
DFSS Black Belt Certification and Red X Journeyman certification.
Experience in fixture design and product validation.
Experience in budget plan development and cost management.
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