Exterior Execution Vehicle Systems Engineer
Description
The Exterior Execution Vehicle Systems Engineer (VSE) serves as the chief integrator for Exterior Systems, including bumpers, grilles, exterior lighting, upper structures, and closures. This role owns exterior design intent and technical execution, ensuring subsystem decisions align with vehicle-level performance, quality, timing, and cost targets.
As the voice of the Exterior SMT, the VSE partners closely with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Studio, Compartment Integration, Program Teams, and Performance & Validation to deliver a robust, on-time, and cost-competitive product. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, program stewardship, and the ability to influence across a complex, matrixed organization.
Key Responsibilities
- System Integration & Program Leadership
Own Exterior SMT coordination across systems, subsystems, and vehicle interfaces; define technical imperatives aligned to program targets and milestones. - Technical Decision-Making & Problem Solving
Lead structured problem solving, root-cause analysis, and trade-off decisions; define must-be-true conditions, set contingencies, and make timely decisions to protect program metrics. - Vehicle-Level Technical Acumen
Identify and resolve issues at both component and vehicle levels; balance customer experience, manufacturability, cost, and enterprise constraints through clear technical communication. - Executive & Cross-Functional Communication
Deliver concise, executive-ready updates (written, verbal, and visual); prioritize and tailor information for leaders, DREs, EGMs, and functional partners; clearly scope work for efficient execution. - Influence, Negotiation & Alignment
Align stakeholders with competing objectives; remove enterprise-level roadblocks; secure agreements with BOM leaders, GFLs, suppliers, and Program Teams. - Planning, Prioritization & Risk Management
Develop and manage 30/60/90-day and long-range plans; appropriately push back on scope; delegate effectively; identify and mitigate risks early. - Cost, Budget & Imperative Management
Want more jobs like this?
Get jobs in Warren, MI delivered to your inbox every week.

Lead Exterior SMT delivery to cost, quality, and timing targets along the VDP/GVDP glidepath; synthesize detailed inputs into credible forecasts and aggregate status.
Drive design deliverables, benchmarking, cost management, HVI, interface requirements, and financial/quality imperatives; co-lead supplier selection, tooling kick-off, and PPAP readiness.
Anticipate risk, lead engineering changes, and coordinate validation activities; support DREs and IRTs through development and vehicle launch.
Champion EwS through simplification and standardization; develop and communicate a pipeline of Exterior SMT improvement ideas.
Monitor emerging exterior technologies and competitive products; translate insights into design and execution strategies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline (Master's preferred)
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a Design Release Engineer within Exterior Systems (e.g., bumpers/fascias, lighting, glazing, mirrors, seals, ornamentation, aero, exterior finish)
- Lead DRE experience in Exterior Systems strongly preferred
- Deep technical knowledge of Exterior components and vehicle-level integration
- Proven executive-level communication and storytelling skills
- Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and align cross-functional stakeholders
- Strong track record of structured problem solving, risk management, and decisive execution
- Experience managing program scope, timelines, budgets, and VDP/GVDP milestones
- Results-driven mindset with demonstrated impact on EwS or other enterprise imperatives
- Familiarity with GM Vehicle Program processes, tools, and deliverables
- Consistent demonstration of GM Behaviors, including integrity, collaboration, resilience, accountability, and continuous learning
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.
This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will be provided for this role with successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report review.
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 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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- HSA With Employer Contribution
Parental Benefits
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Adoption Leave
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Casual Dress
- Happy Hours
- On-Site Cafeteria
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K)
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Stock Purchase Program
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Learning and Development Stipend
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Woman founded/led
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
Company Videos
Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at General Motors.