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.)

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 1-800-865-7580. 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.