Design Release Engineer - Interiors - GM Defense

Job Description

About GM Defense
GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and autonomy & connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. GM Defense combines General Motors’ proven engineering and manufacturing capabilities with the mission focus and execution speed required by defense customers.

The Role
GM Defense is seeking an Interior Design Release Engineer to independently own the design, development, testing, release, and continuous improvement of vehicle cockpits, including but not limited to Instrument Panels, Floor Consoles, Overhead and Hard Trim, Door Trim and Seats. 

This role is accountable for converting customer and program requirements into robust, manufacturable, serviceable, and validated solutions. The Interior DRE will work cross-functionally across engineering, program, design studio, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and customers to align priorities and deliver results. Success requires comfort operating in ambiguity, adapting to evolving requirements, making sound decisions with incomplete information, and driving issues to closure across the full product lifecycle—from concept and design through build, validation, launch, and field support.

What You'll Do

• Independently lead assigned interior systems and components from requirements definition through design, validation, release, launch, and continuous improvement.
• Translate customer, vehicle, regulatory, and program requirements into clear engineering requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Define and maintain component requirements, Statements of Requirements (SORs), interface documentation, engineering criteria, and product data.
• Lead integration with adjacent vehicle systems and functions, resolving packaging, fit-and-finish, dimensional, functional, manufacturing, and serviceability concerns.
• Lead design reviews, technical decisions, interface control activities, and engineering documentation, including specifications, bills of material, design data, and release packages
• Guide supplier design and execution; review technical proposals, risk analyses, validation evidence, and production readiness.
• Lead or coordinate DFMEA, DRBFM, design reviews, structured problem-solving, and corrective-action closure across related components.
• Manage engineering changes, release documentation, component content, and program timing through applicable GM processes and systems.
• Drive readiness for prototype, pre-production, and launch builds; coordinate issue triage and recovery plans with cross-functional teams.
• Communicate subsystem status, trade-offs, risks, and decisions clearly to engineering and program leadership.
• Coach peers and less-experienced engineers while helping reuse lessons learned across programs.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• BS in Engineering or similar discipline
• 5+ years of relevant experience in interior systems, such as Instrument Panels, Floor Consoles, Door Trim, Interior Garnish and/or Seats
• Demonstrated ability to independently own technical work from requirements through design, validation, release, build, and issue resolution.
• Demonstrated experience in design release engineering, product engineering, or a comparable automotive engineering role
• Experience taking components or systems through design, validation, change control, and production launch.
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical problem-solving and work effectively with suppliers.
• Strong communication, prioritization, and technical decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, make timely decisions with limited direction, and escalate risks appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to solve design/manufacturing issues quickly as part of a cross-functional team
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and vehicle launch experience.
• Ability to work periodically at the Milford Proving Grounds, travel as required and legally operate a motor vehicle.
• Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Defense Industry Experience
• Familiarity with GM product development, engineering change, product data, and issue-management tools
• MS in Mechanical Engineering
• DFSS Black Belt Certification

#GMD

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.