Sr Design and Release Engineer- Hard Trim & Overhead

Job Description

This role is categorized as hybrid. The selected candidate will be expected to work on-site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week or as otherwise determined by the hiring leader.

The Sr Design Release Engineer (DRE) Interior Hard Trim and Overhead Systems is responsible for the end-to-end development integration and release of interior hard trim and overhead components for vehicle programs. This role focuses on injection-molded plastic and compression-molded trim headliners and associated overhead components ensuring robust design high quality and flawless launch execution. The Lead DRE will drive cross-functional alignment mentor other engineers and help define component system and program execution strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Product & System Ownership

• Own design development and integration of interior hard trim and overhead components including:
  • Hard Trim: plastic injection-molded and compression-molded carpet parts.
  • Overhead Systems: headliners and associated components (e.g. lamps coat hooks assist handles speaker grilles).
• Develop and maintain component timing plans and deliverables across the vehicle lifecycle.
• Ensure design execution meets requirements for fit finish DFA and DFM.
• Balance imperatives such as cost investment mass and performance.
• Release all assigned components and approve validation plans and results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Lead cross-functional product development activities with:
  • Engineering partners: Engineering Design Interior Restraints adjacent Interior components Body Systems Electrical HVAC Cargo Management and Overhead/Hard Trim component teams.
  • Non-engineering partners: Creative Design Purchasing Ergonomics Manufacturing Value-Added Assemblers Quality and Suppliers.
• Resolve design packaging and ergonomic issues through data-driven trade-offs and structured problem solving.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship:

• Act as the technical leader and subject-matter expert for interior hard trim and overhead systems on assigned programs.
• Mentor and support other DREs and engineers sharing best practices and lessons learned.
• Contribute to the development of repeatable strategies standards and execution approaches for interior hard trim and overhead systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred) or U.S. equivalent.
• 10 years of experience designing and/or developing interior automotive trim components.
• 5 years of Design Release Engineer (DRE) experience developing and implementing technical solutions for interior trim systems and components.
• Strong knowledge of plastic materials compression molding and injection molding processes.
• Successful launch of at least one vehicle as an Interior Systems DRE or Application Engineer.
• Experience resolving ergonomic issues related to interior trim systems.
• Experience creating DFMEAs and cascading them into PFMEAs.
• Proficiency with GD&T to ensure compliance with interior trim fit and functional requirements.
• Experience creating 3D-printed parts to develop and evaluate proposed concepts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engineering release experience specifically in hard trim components and/or overhead systems.
• Proficiency in Unigraphics/NX/Teamcenter Visualization (Vis Mockup) including:
  • Assembly navigation measurements and sectioning.
  • Creating study files.
  • Creating STL files for 3D printing.
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving methods such as Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and Red X.

Sponsorship:

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. H-1B OPT STEM OPT CPT TN J-1 etc.)

#LI-JN1

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.

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