Design and Release Engineer - Seats Components

Job Description

This role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the selected candidate will be expected to work on‑site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week (or other frequency determined by their manager).  

The Design Engineer – Seating Components is responsible for the definition, design, development, and launch of seat system components, including seat plastics, lumbar systems, rear AR, and bolsters. You will own components from early requirements through production launch, working closely with internal teams and external suppliers.

This role requires a strong combination of technical expertise, creativity, and independent judgment. Prior experience with automotive seating systems and successful vehicle launches is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define requirements and lead design and development of seating components (seat plastics, lumbar, rear AR, bolsters).

• Develop, refine, and finalize design criteria and typical sections using math data.

• Develop and support Statements of Requirements for seat system components in collaboration with subject matter experts.

• Lead and/or support design and technical reviews for seating components.

• Define interface control (ICD) requirements for components and sub-systems; negotiate and align interfaces with partner teams.

• Lead/support PDT activities (e.g., timing, parts list, DFM, issue tracking) for assigned components/sub-systems.

• Perform trade-off studies and support program direction based on cost, mass, timing, DFA, complexity, and other commodity imperatives.

• Release production designs on time to meet program and commodity requirements.

• Conduct engineering and design reviews to ensure design fidelity and quality.

• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.

• Lead the launch of new vehicle programs for seat system components at GM assembly plants, Tier 1 seating plants, and applicable Tier 2 suppliers.

Preferred Skills experience and education:

• 2 years post-graduation experience

• Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle

• Ability to travel as needed (travel up to 10%)

• Knowledge and experience using GM engineering processes.

• Automotive Interior or Seating work experience

• Ability to analyze Math data and review designs utilizing Vis-Mock-up

• Knowledge of Automotive requirements, industry seating requirements, FMVSS regulations and GM technical specifications.

• Experience working with automotive OEM's, Interior or Seat suppliers

• Experience in Statistics, Mechanics of materials, Finite element, Vehicle/occupant packaging, Integrated Design, and Design for Manufacture

• Experience within an Vehicle, JIT, and Vehicle assembly plants during a launch event

• DFSS and/or Red X problem solving skills

• Problem solving proficiency using 5 Phase approach

• Experience with system integration and component packaging.

• Strong knowledge of GD&T, and DFMEA’s

Basic Required education:

• Bachelor of Science degree or major in engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, or equivalent).

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.)

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}. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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