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Exterior Execution Vehicle Systems Engineer

2 days ago Warren, MI

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

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Lead Exterior SMT delivery to cost, quality, and timing targets along the VDP/GVDP glidepath; synthesize detailed inputs into credible forecasts and aggregate status.
  • Engineering Execution & Supplier Readiness
    Drive design deliverables, benchmarking, cost management, HVI, interface requirements, and financial/quality imperatives; co-lead supplier selection, tooling kick-off, and PPAP readiness.
  • Change, Validation & Launch Leadership
    Anticipate risk, lead engineering changes, and coordinate validation activities; support DREs and IRTs through development and vehicle launch.
  • Engineering with Simplicity (EwS) & Innovation
    Champion EwS through simplification and standardization; develop and communicate a pipeline of Exterior SMT improvement ideas.
  • Technology & Competitive Awareness
    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

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    Why Join Us

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    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.

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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-202600246
    Employment Type: FULL_TIME
    Posted: 2026-01-21T00:13:11

    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)

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