Design and Release Engineer - Seat Plastics

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).

• This role is not eligible for relocation assistance

About the role:
The Design & Release Engineer (DRE) - Seat Plastics is responsible for the design,
development, validation, and production release of injection-molded plastic seat
components for front and rear seat systems. This role owns components from concept
through launch, working closely with cross-functional teams and global Tier-1 seating
suppliers to deliver high-quality, production-ready designs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end design and release of seat plastic components (e.g., trims, shields, closeouts, covers, bezels)
• Translate studio surfaces and vehicle packaging into manufacturable B-side designs
• (attachments, ribs, bosses, draft)
• Create, review, and release 3D CAD, 2D drawings, and BOMs in GM PLM systems (NX /Teamcenter)
• Lead DFMEA, DVP&R, validation, and PPAP activities with suppliers
• Serve as primary technical interface with Tier-1 seating suppliers for feasibility, tooling, validation, and launch
• Support virtual and physical builds (prototypes, validation, plant, launch)
• Drive issue resolution for fit/finish, appearance, squeak & rattle, and dimensional concerns
• Manage engineering changes with cost, mass, and timing impact assessment
• Identify and execute VA/VE opportunities without compromising performance or craftsmanship
• Ensure integration with seat structures, foam, airbags, wiring, and mechanisms
• Represent Seat Plastics in PDT meetings and design reviews

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required
• Typically 4-8+ years of experience in automotive seating and/or interior plastic components

• Hands-on experience with injection-molded plastic part design
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, CATIA, or similar) and PLM systems
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, dimensional stack-ups, and tolerance management
• Experience working with Tier-1 suppliers on design, tooling, and launch
• Demonstrated problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Seat-system experience across plastics, foam, structure, or mechanisms
• OEM or Tier-1 launch experience
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, DFMEA/PFMEA, and automotive quality systems
• Experience with craftsmanship, perceived quality, and squeak & rattle
• Exposure to EV platforms
• Ability to manage multiple programs in a fast-paced environment

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.)

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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.

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Client-provided location(s): Warren, MI

Job ID: General_Motors-JR-202603552

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-03-07T00:08:28