Design and Release Engineer - Seat Plastics
General Motors, Warren, MI, United States
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 dimensionalconcerns
Manage engineering changes with cost, mass, and timing impact assessment
Identify and execute VA/VE opportunities without compromising performance orcraftsmanship
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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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 dimensionalconcerns
Manage engineering changes with cost, mass, and timing impact assessment
Identify and execute VA/VE opportunities without compromising performance orcraftsmanship
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.)
#J-18808-Ljbffr