General Motors is seeking an experienced Design Release Engineer (DRE) to lead the design, integration, and release of critical driveline systems, with a primary focus on the in-house front axle and torque transfer systems. This role plays a key part in delivering vehicle performance, durability, and quality through strong technical judgment and cross-functional leadership.
As a Level 7 engineer, you will operate with significant autonomy, provide system-level technical leadership, and drive solutions from concept through production and launch while balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, and timing objectives.
Key Responsibilities
System Design and Release
• Define system and component requirements and ensure alignment with vehicle-level performance, durability, safety, and regulatory targets
• Create and maintain Statements of Requirements (SOR), Critical Technical Specifications (CTS), and Interface Control Documents (ICD)
• Lead design development activities across component DREs, ensuring execution to program timing, cost, mass, and quality imperatives
• Perform trade studies and recommend technical direction based on cost, mass, timing, DFA/DFM, variation, and system performance
Integration and Validation
• Lead integration of torque transfer and front axle systems, balancing vehicle performance, hardware capability, and chassis and propulsion controls
• Develop vehicle- and system-level test plans, including instrumentation setup, loads collection, data processing, and performance analysis
• Work closely with GM and supplier validation teams to ensure complete and robust validation execution
Problem Solving and Issue Resolution
• Root cause and drive closure of PRTS, test/build incidents, and warranty issues within established timing guidelines
• Support production launch, post-launch quality improvements, and customer complaint remediation
• Work directly with GM manufacturing plants to rapidly diagnose and resolve component and assembly issues
Program and Team Leadership
• Lead System Product Development Teams (PDTs) and Product Readiness Teams (PRTs), managing timing, parts lists, DFM/DFA, and build readiness
• Actively lead and participate in DFMEA, DFA, technical reviews, and peer and design reviews
• Coordinate engineering activities with suppliers, Supplier Quality, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Finance, and Platform teams
• Mentor engineers on component and subsystem development and management of simultaneous program imperatives
Testing and Vehicle Development
• Spend a portion of time at Milford Proving Grounds supporting chassis and driveline vehicle testing and integration
• Support dyno testing, ride trips, captured test fleet evaluations, and weekly driveline development reviews
Continuous Improvement
• Lead and implement cost reduction initiatives and track execution through completion
• Stay current on emerging driveline technologies, engineering tools, and GM processes
• Communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders across global regions
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent experience
• Proven Design Release Engineering experience
• Experience with multiple cycles of the Global Vehicle Development Process
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, system integration, and design principles
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability for complex and ambiguous issues
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs and priorities independently
Preferred Qualifications
• Driveline system or component engineering experience
• DFSS Certification
• Ground-up component design experience, including GD&T, FEA, and tolerance analysis
• Prior experience integrating systems with GM platform teams
• Experience working closely with manufacturing plants and supply chain partners
• Demonstrated creativity with a willingness to take well-managed technical risks
