Senior Design Release Engineer - Exterior Hardware and Sunroofs
General Motors · Warren, Michigan, United States of America ·
- Seniority
- Senior
- Category
- Hardware
- Experience
- 5+ years
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.
The Role
Our team is responsible for Exterior Hardware including Door Hardware Modules, Latches, Inside/Outside Handles, Release Cables, Window Regulators, Struts, Actuators, Latches, Switches, Sunroofs, Convertibles, and Targa Roof Systems. We’re seeking a proactive individual contributor with experience in movable roof systems and a passion for developing new subsystems. Success in this role requires broad technical knowledge, creativity, leadership, and independent thinking.
What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)
- Develop subsystem requirements and sourcing packages
- Manage PDT timing through GVDP milestones
- Ensure timely execution of tool kick-off (TKO), material required dates (MRDs), peer reviews, and component review valves
- Coordinate validation and verification activities
- Lead the product development team (PDT) through subsystem launch
This role demands strong leadership to guide a cross-functional PDT—including suppliers and internal GM teams in Styling, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality. Ideal candidates will have excellent communication and project management skills, a drive to tackle complex challenges, and a desire to deepen technical expertise in movable roof systems.
There are multiple hiring managers looking to fill positions in the following areas:
- Exterior Hardware
- Sunroofs
What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)
- Lead design release of Exterior Hardware components
- Manage cross-functional Product Development Teams (PDTs), including supplier-integrated (SI3, SI2) and build-to-print (SI1) systems
- Ensure accuracy of requirements, CAE standard work, GMWs, and AV DVP&R templates
- Coordinate system integration into vehicle architecture
- Drive program timing and cost targets; maintain cost controls
- Support DFMEA development and updates
- Develop and maintain Interface Control Document (ICD) strategy and templates
- Ensure timely completion of peer reviews and component review valves
- Oversee system and component-level verification and validation
- Author Engineering Work Orders for prototype and production releases
- Package hardware components and troubleshoot issues at both component and vehicle levels
- Resolve issues via Problem Resolution Tracking System
- Collaborate across GM functions and manage multiple suppliers
- Lead and support supplier resident engineers
- Contribute to sourcing activities and technical solutions for new programs
- Perform complex design analysis and initiate engineering documentation
- Partner with engineering, suppliers, and plant teams to implement cost reductions, product improvements, and support build events
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
- BS in Engineering required.
- 5 years of engineering and product development experience
- Experience with actuated kinematic systems
- Proficient in writing and interpreting hardware requirements
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Solid understanding of materials, engineering theory, and design principles
- Ability to multitask and manage concurrent activities effectively
- Familiarity with vehicle system integration and Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive projects to completion
- Knowledge of DFSS and Red X methodologies
- Experience with Teamcenter
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
- MS in Engineering
- Knowledge of hardware development, testing and associated tools.
- FIT DFMEA training
- Direct experience with Exterior Hardware design and development
- Launch experience
- Red X Training
- DFSS Blackbelt Certified
#LI-KM2


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.

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.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.