Design Release Engineer - Interior Hard Trim and Overhead Systems

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..

We are seeking a highly experienced Design Release Engineer (DRE) to lead the development of next-generation Interior Hard Trim and Overhead Systems .

This is a high-impact role responsible for delivering high-quality interior components from concept through production.

What You’ll Do

As a Design Release Engineer, you will own the design, development, and release of interior hard trim and overhead components, including:

• Injection-molded hard trim components

• Headliner substrates

• Overhead systems (lighting, assist handles, coat hooks, etc.)

You will lead full lifecycle engineering activities, including:

• Defining product requirements

• Executing designs balancing fit, finish, manufacturability, and cost

• Releasing components in alignment with program milestones

• Validating designs and approving test results

Your Impact

You will collaborate cross-functionally to deliver best-in-class interior systems, working closely with:

Engineering Teams:

• Interior Design & Adjacent Systems

• Body, Electrical, HVAC, and Restraints Systems

• Overhead & Hard Trim Component Teams

Cross-Functional Partners:

• Creative Design

• Manufacturing

• Purchasing

• Quality & Suppliers

• Ergonomics and Assembly Teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred)

• 10+ years of automotive interior trim design/development experience

• 4+ years of DRE experience in hard trim or overhead systems

• Strong expertise in plastic materials and manufacturing processes (injection/compression molding)

• Proven success launching at least one vehicle program

• Experience with:

  • DFMEA/PFMEA development

  • GD&T application

  • Ergonomics issue resolution

  • Rapid prototyping (3D printing, concept validation)

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with Siemens NX (Unigraphics)

• Experience creating study files and STL files

• Familiarity with structured problem-solving methodologies:

  • Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)

  • Red X