Design Release Engineer - Thermal Hardware

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

As a Design Release Engineer (DRE) for Active Thermal Hardware, you will lead the design, development, validation, and release of thermal management components and subsystems. This includes heat exchangers, cooling fans, shrouds, compressors, sensors, and associated hardware. You will collaborate cross functionally with internal teams and suppliers to ensure robust, cost effective, and timely delivery of components that meet vehicle performance and integration requirements.

Specific subsystem performance responsibilities include impacts to coolant and refrigerant loop performance.
This role requires a high level of technical expertise, independent judgment, and leadership in managing complex engineering projects. You will be expected to drive innovation, resolve technical challenges, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across programs.

• Lead product development activities for thermal components and subsystems.

• Develop and release components to meet requirements, Statement of Requirements (SOR), Component Technical Specifications (CTS), and Subsystem Technical Specifications (SSTS).

• Conduct design studies, peer reviews, alternative analyses, and recommend design direction based on cost, total enterprise cost, performance, mass, timing, ability to manufacture, quality and part assembly process.

• Define Interface Control Document (ICD) requirements and negotiate with interfacing components (mechanical, electrical, software, calibration).

• Manage supplier relationships and ensure timely execution of deliverables.

• Coordinate cross functional activities with Purchasing, Supplier Quality, Vehicle Validation, Calibration, Manufacturing, Technical Specialists, and Design teams.

• Support and lead Product Development Team (PDT) meetings and peer reviews.

• Ensures complete validation of released components and establishment of a validation plan.

• Validate designs using analytical tools (e.g., FEA, CFD, modal analysis, virtual builds).

• Ensure compliance with GM standards, best practices, and program imperatives.

• Lead problem solving efforts for production and launch issues.

• Translate lessons learned into best practices and apply them in future designs.

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and support test and development programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Thermal Engineering.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in component or subsystem design and release.

• Strong understanding of thermal systems, HVAC, and fluid handling components.

• Proficiency in CAD (UGNX preferred), Teamcenter, and engineering analysis tools.

• Experience with validation planning and execution.

• Strong communication and project management skills.

• Ability to travel (up to 20%) and legally operate a motor vehicle.

• DFSS Green Belt Certification (Black Belt preferred)

• GD&T Certification (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)

• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) training

• FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) training or certification

• DRBFM (Design Review Based on Failure Mode) training

• CAD/CAE Tool Proficiency…