General Motors Logo

General Motors

Design Release Engineer - Exterior Trim & Lighting Accessories

Posted 14 Hours Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Hybrid
Warren, MI
Mid level
Hybrid
Warren, MI
Mid level
Design, develop, and release automotive exterior trim and lighting accessory components from concept through production. Manage CAD models, drawings, specifications, GD&T, tolerance analyses, engineering changes, supplier coordination, and issue resolution. Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, quality, manufacturing, and warranty requirements. Analyze field and warranty data, apply structured problem-solving methods, validate designs using CAE and TcVis, and lead cross-functional delivery through launch and mass production.
The summary above was generated by AI
Description
This role is categorized as hybrid. The selected candidate will be expected to work on-site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week, or as otherwise determined by the hiring leader.
  • This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

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.
About the role:
As a Design Release Engineer - Exterior Trim & Lighting Accessories at General Motors, you will design, develop, and release exterior trim and lighting accessory components from concept through production. You will ensure that assigned components meet aesthetic, functional, manufacturing, quality, safety, regulatory, and warranty requirements.
Job Responsibilities
  • Design and develop exterior trim and lighting accessory components that meet vehicle, manufacturing, and customer requirements.
  • Create and manage engineering specifications, CAD models, drawings, GD&T, and tolerance analyses.
  • Lead component delivery from concept through launch and mass production.
  • Manage engineering changes, deviations, and issue resolution throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams and suppliers.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety, regulatory, and quality requirements.
  • Benchmark competitive designs and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Analyze warranty and field data, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
  • Apply DFMEA, DRBFM, DFSS, and structured problem-solving methods.
  • Use CAE and TcVis analyses to validate designs and predict performance.
  • Track engineering data, monitor trends, and drive continuous improvement.
Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Three or more years of experience in product development engineering; exterior trim and/or lighting experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of automotive exterior trim and lighting systems.
  • Knowledge of automotive safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements.
  • Experience with or understanding of DFMEA, DRBFM, DFSS, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
  • Strong technical leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to apply structured problem-solving techniques to design and manufacturing challenges.
  • Ability to analyze complex engineering data and make sound technical decisions.
  • Ability to learn and apply new technical information quickly.
  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Sponsorship:
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., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)
#LI-JN1
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.
Total Rewards | 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 [email protected] 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.

General Motors Los Angeles, California, USA Office

Los Angeles, CA, United States

General Motors Pasadena, California, USA Office

General Motors Advanced Design and Innovation Campus Office

The teams at the General Motors Advanced Design and Innovation campus in Pasadena, CA, are charged with exploring future transportation, technology and consumer trends and creating conceptual mobility solutions that inspire and inform program teams across the company.

Similar Jobs at General Motors

14 Hours Ago
Hybrid
Senior level
Senior level
Automotive • Big Data • Information Technology • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Manufacturing
Leads logistics strategy and execution for critical automotive service-part recovery. Reviews shortages and risks, prioritizes actions, coordinates cross-functional recovery efforts, manages expedited part movement, evaluates business tradeoffs, and drives commitments to closure. Communicates progress to leadership, analyzes recurring issues, improves reporting and escalation processes, and develops durable solutions to improve vehicle availability, customer experience, and business results.
Top Skills: DatabricksGoogle WorkplacePower BI
14 Hours Ago
Hybrid
Junior
Junior
Automotive • Big Data • Information Technology • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Manufacturing
Supports data-informed marketing decisions for Buick and GMC by analyzing consumer, competitive, brand, campaign, and market information. Coordinates recurring reporting, validates data, manages timelines, and creates presentations that translate findings into actionable business implications. Partners with brand, media, creative, research, product marketing, and agency teams on insights projects, campaign measurement, performance reporting, and ad hoc analyses.
Top Skills: Brand PowerCreative AcceleratorDemand SpacesExcelGoogle SheetsGoogle SlidesKantarNvcsPowerPointYougov BrandindexYougov Profiles
14 Hours Ago
Hybrid
Senior level
Senior level
Automotive • Big Data • Information Technology • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Manufacturing
Lead the design, development, validation, and launch of automotive interior cockpit systems, including instrument panels, floor consoles, decorative trim, and interior lighting. Mentor engineers, resolve complex technical issues, improve materials and manufacturing processes, manage multiple programs, and coordinate with suppliers and global teams to deliver quality products on schedule and budget.
Top Skills: Cut-And-Sew WrappingDesign For Six Sigma (Dfss)Foam-In-PlaceInjection MoldingThermoforming

What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene

Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.

Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
  • Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account