Design Release Engineer - Active Thermal Hardware

About the role

The Role At General Motors, our Design Release Engineer (DRE) for Active Thermal Hardware leads 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development activities for thermal components and subsystems.
• Develop and release components to meet 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.
• Cook up 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.
• Ensure complete validation of released components and establish 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior GM experience with thermal or HVAC components.
• Familiarity with GM tools and processes (ECM, PRTS, ICD, ECR, SOR, TWO, GVDP, GD&T).
• Experience with Development, Validation, Warranty Analysis, DRBFM, DFMEA, PFMEA, and GM Quality Chain.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and vehicle integration.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and supplier management.