Job Description
General Motors is seeking an experienced Design Release Engineer (DRE) to lead the design, integration, and release of critical driveline systems, with a primary focus on the in-house front axle and torque transfer systems. This role plays a key part in delivering vehicle performance, durability, and quality through strong technical judgment and cross-functional leadership.
As a Level 7 engineer, you will operate with significant autonomy, provide system-level technical leadership, and drive solutions from concept through production and launch while balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, and timing objectives.
Key Responsibilities
System Design and Release
Define system and component requirements and ensure alignment with vehicle-level performance, durability, safety, and regulatory targets
Create and maintain Statements of Requirements (SOR), Critical Technical Specifications (CTS), and Interface Control Documents (ICD)
Lead design development activities across component DREs, ensuring execution to program timing, cost, mass, and quality imperatives
Perform trade studies and recommend technical direction based on cost, mass, timing, DFA/DFM, variation, and system performance
Integration and Validation
Lead integration of torque transfer and front axle systems, balancing vehicle performance, hardware capability, and chassis and propulsion controls
Develop vehicle- and system-level test plans, including instrumentation setup, loads collection, data processing, and performance analysis
Work closely with GM and supplier validation teams to ensure complete and robust validation execution
Problem Solving and Issue Resolution
Root cause and drive closure of PRTS, test/build incidents, and warranty issues within established timing guidelines
Support production launch, post-launch quality improvements, and customer complaint remediation
Work directly with GM manufacturing plants to rapidly diagnose and resolve component and assembly issues
Program and Team Leadership
Lead System Product Development Teams (PDTs) and Product Readiness Teams (PRTs), managing timing, parts lists, DFM/DFA, and build readiness
Actively lead and participate in DFMEA, DFA, technical reviews, and peer and design reviews
Coordinate engineering activities with suppliers, Supplier Quality, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Finance, and Platform teams
Mentor engineers on component and subsystem development and management of simultaneous program imperatives
Testing and Vehicle Development
Spend a portion of time at Milford Proving Grounds supporting chassis and driveline vehicle testing and integration
Support dyno testing, ride trips, captured test fleet evaluations, and weekly driveline development reviews
Continuous Improvement
Lead and implement cost reduction initiatives and track execution through completion
Stay current on emerging driveline technologies, engineering tools, and GM processes
Communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders across global regions
Required Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent experience
Proven Design Release Engineering experience
Experience with multiple cycles of the Global Vehicle Development Process
Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, system integration, and design principles
High level of analytical and problem-solving capability for complex and ambiguous issues
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs and priorities independently
Preferred Qualifications
Driveline system or component engineering experience
DFSS Certification
Ground-up component design experience, including GD&T, FEA, and tolerance analysis
Prior experience integrating systems with GM platform teams
Experience working closely with manufacturing plants and supply chain partners
Demonstrated creativity with a willingness to take well-managed technical risks
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
This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will only be provided for this role by passing the Motor Vehicle Report review.
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