Design Lead, Technical - Performance and Racing

General Motors
Pontiac, MI

Description

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Pontiac, MI four (4) times per week, at minimum.

The Role
The GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance Team supports a wide range of racing series in which GM competes by providing propulsion system design, development, assembly, and trackside support. These series include, but are not limited to, NASCAR, LMDh, GT3 Corvette Racing, IndyCar, and off-road racing. In addition to motorsports, the team drives product development for Chevrolet Performance Parts projects, encompassing high-performance aftermarket crate engines, transmissions, electrification initiatives, GM Marine applications, and Original Equipment (OE) sales.

As the Design Lead in Performance and Racing, you will lead a team of designers and design engineers to develop innovative design solutions for complex systems and subsystems. Serve as the primary liaison between engineering and your design team, ensuring adherence to organizational standards and timely delivery of program requirements. Collaborate with Program Managers and Engineers across Performance and Racing teams. This role requires expertise in CAD tools, data management systems, Product Life-cycle Management, GD&T application, and design best practices. Powertrain design experience, strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work independently are essential.

What You’ll Do

Lead the technical design and development of complex powertrain components and systems for performance and racing applications, from concept to production.

Manage design work order assignments for the team and track project timing.

Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, specifically NX, to create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings.

Lead integration of components and subsystems into complete systems.

Apply GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles to ensure design intent and manufacturability.

Oversee and manage product data throughout the design lifecycle using Siemens Teamcenter for robust Data Management.

Communicate effectively with stakeholders and proactively resolve technical issues.

Facilitate and contribute to the Visualization Mockup process to evaluate design aesthetics, ergonomics, and feasibility.

Drive the Math Release Process for critical design data, ensuring accuracy and adherence to company and racing team standards.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, CAE, manufacturing, and validation to integrate designs and resolve technical challenges.

Utilize Aspera P2P for efficient data transfer and collaboration with external partners and suppliers.

Implement SMT (Simulation and Modeling Technologies) where applicable to optimize performance and predict behavior of designed components.

Support design work requests from operations team, such as fixture designs for machining, and dyno test lab hardware design.

Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior designers and engineers on best practices and design methodologies.

Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape in performance and racing.

What You’ll Need (Required Qualifications)

Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in Design Engineering or related field

7+ years of experience in automotive or mechanical design

Expert-level proficiency in NX CAD

High-level, expert understanding of powertrain and engine components

Proven design experience with powertrain components

Extensive knowledge of designing for manufacturing processes, including castings, stampings, plastic moldings

Strong understanding of design standards, best practices, and global design guidelines

Proven ability to lead complex design projects and mentor designers and junior design engineers

Experience with manufacturability principles, design-for-assembly, and integration

Familiarity with CAE analysis, clearance studies, and virtual integration methods

Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams

Ability to work under compressed timelines and deliver high-quality results

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Bachelor’s degree in design engineering or related field of study

Experience in Motorsport and High-Performance Powertrain

GM Data Management systems experience

#LI-LP2

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.

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.

Posted 2026-01-28

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