Design Release Engineer – Instrument Panel, Console, Outlets and Deco Trim Job at General Motors (Warren)

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 assistance. As an Interior Design Release Engineer (DRE) , you will be a technical authority in Instrument Panel (IP), floor console (FC) or decorative trim (deco) while leading the engineering development, integration, validation, and launch of these systems with an unwavering focus on safety, quality, technical excellence, and flawless execution . You will drive disciplined delivery to all vehicle development milestones , enable beautiful design execution, and achieve cost, quality, mass, craftsmanship, and performance targets across the vehicle portfolio. This role requires strong engineering fundamentals, systems thinking, and technical rigor , with hands‑on responsibility for CAD/package integration, supplier collaboration, DFMEA/DFSS excellence, and robust validation—from early product definition through launch and into production.

Job Responsibility

Design, development, analysis, implementation, and validation of the complex instrument panel and console subsystems
Perform engineering design evaluations and concept development across vehicle programs
Utilize engineering tools (DFMEA, ICDs, PFMEA) and leverage CAE groups including Safety Performance to successfully develop the best system solution
Assessment of design to manufacturing processes (e.g. injection molding, vibration welding, vacuum forming, foam-in-place, wrapping)
Package components, manage CAD development through supplier or GM designers, and collaborate with other systems within the vehicle (Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints, etc.)
Ensure best practices are incorporated in the CAD models and seek support when best practices are not met
Schedule and lead Peer Reviews to analyze the design with technical peers
Work cross-functionally to support initial vehicle configuration work, realize cost optimization, deliver customer-driven requirements, and implement product and process improvements
Balance business imperatives, including but not limited to cost, part count, mass, complexity, timing, and content
Communicate information to and from internal and external customer organizations (e.g. Creative Design, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers) and lead the product development team (PDT)
Track and resolve open issues with support
Review, support and apply benchmarking for design direction competitiveness
Lead execution through change management process to support workstreams and initiatives described above
Support in the development of Statement of Requirements (SOR) Creation and lead in the development of statements of work, key partner for DFMEA/DRBFM/FEA
Lead launch activities for your program and commodity with a quality and on-time execution mindset
Actively contribute to enterprise initiatives: CAE‑driven design, virtual execution (including “virtual by 2025”), automation, faster development, and enhanced supply chain
Maintain process discipline through the project development: crystal‑clear clear and objective documentation, lessons-learned read across, risk assessments registers, and disciplined engineering execution
Drive change management rigor (concise problem statements, alternatives, decisions, and impacts on cost, mass, timing, and complexity)
Use benchmarking to calibrate design direction competitiveness and to inform BOM row strategies and feature/content decisions
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and psychological safety within the PDT—escalate risks early with facts and options
Strengthen knowledge management (checklists, playbooks, templates, “golden references”) and support global alignment on standards and read‑across
Travel as needed during development, integration, and launch phases (plant builds, supplier trials, DV/PV events, craftsmanship audits)

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials or related)
8–10 years in the commodity: instrument panel, floor console, and decorative trim development with end‑to‑end exposure from early product definition through launch
Demonstrated outstanding performance in subsystem ownership, issue resolution, and on‑time delivery to vehicle development milestones
Sub‑system expertise in injection molded trim, foam‑in‑place, thermoformed skins, and cut‑and‑sew wrapping of substrates
Detailed knowledge of IP, IP Structure, and Floor Console performance requirements, applicable regulations, and best practices
Proven proficiency in component/subsystem design and development, vehicle integration, and design for manufacturability/automation
Mastery of DFMEA/DRBFM, ADVP&R development (validation plans), ICDs, and PFMEA collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering
Strong partnership with CAE (including Safety Performance) to validate robustness and inform design iterations using data‑driven decisions
DFSS Green Belt required
Black Belt preferred
Demonstrated ownership and urgency, with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive clear outcomes on cost, mass, complexity, timing, and content
Project management capability
PMI/PMP preferred
Effective in change management (clear problem framing, options with quantified impacts, and decisive, documented approvals)
Strong written and verbal communication
able to lead PDTs and coordinate with Creative Design, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers, and adjacent systems (Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints)
Proven ability to influence without authority, escalate appropriately, and drive cross‑functional alignment
Proficiency with CAD workflows and release processes
ability to manage CAD through supplier or GM designers, ensure best practices are met, and lead peer reviews
Established knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project
experience with CAD/visualization tools (e.g., VisMockup, NX/UniGraphics or similar)

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Design Release Engineer – Instrument Panel, Console, Outlets and Deco Trim

Job Description

Job Responsibility

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