Product Design Release Engineer – Vehicle Closures, Sub-system Engineer

The Product Design Release Engineer – Closures Subsystem is responsible for the design, engineering, and release of closure subsystems on a vehicle program. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and independent judgment to lead product development efforts and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver an integrated and balanced subsystem solution.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to develop robust, balanced solutions aligned with program requirements
• Support system architects, lead integrators, and system leads in guiding studio, program, and manufacturing teams
• Drive alignment across teams to balance innovation, cost, mass, timing, and manufacturing feasibility
• Interface with Body Manufacturing, Body Shop, General Assembly, and VDDV/CAE teams to meet SSTS, dimensional, packaging, and performance requirements
• Develop and evaluate engineering alternatives based on cost, weight, timing, DFMEA, and quality targets
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Ensure theme development supports high-quality, on-time execution

Technical Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise in closure subsystem development and system integration
• Demonstrate working knowledge of closure components (latches, hinges, counterbalance systems, power actuators, handles, sensors)
• Understand and apply SSTS requirements across vehicle programs
• Assess risks and support decision-making to ensure quality and program timing
• Benchmark competitive solutions and industry trends
• Collaborate with Technical Specialist (TS) teams and participate in GSSLT reviews
• Share best practices and lessons learned across programs and platforms
• Understand closure manufacturing processes, including stamping, body, paint, and general assembly

Program & Execution Responsibilities

• Lead the Product Development Team (PDT) to deliver subsystem milestones on time and within program constraints
• Run effective subsystem PDT meetings and manage deliverables across multiple programs
• Execute quality processes with rigor and discipline
• Co-lead system design reviews, peer reviews, and DRBTR reviews to ensure design integrity and compliance
• Manage key deliverables through the Vehicle Development Process (VDP), including:
  • Math releases
  • Statements of Requirements (SORs)
  • Sourcing and tool kickoff
  • Test readiness and validation
  • ICDs, CRVs, MRDs for build events
  • PPAP completion
• Utilize GM systems and tools (ECR, PRTS, eMerge, TWO, PPAP)
• Support sourcing activities with Purchasing and Supplier Quality teams
• Develop and execute subsystem validation plans
• Apply robust engineering tools (DFSS, OPEX) to optimize designs

Quality & Launch Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality, on-time program launches
• Align GD&T strategy with dimensional capability and assembly requirements
• Lead root cause analysis for dimensional and integration issues
• Partner with Manufacturing to develop and execute closure system validation plans

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience with engineering operations, specifications, release processes, and best practices
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills across cross-functional and global teams
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage ambiguity and drive timely decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong program and project management experience
• Solid physics-based, structured problem-solving approach

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field
• DFSS Black Belt Certification and/or Red X Journeyman
• Experience with fixture design and product validation
• Experience with budget planning and cost management