Design Release Engineer - Thermal/HVAC - GM Defense

The Role 

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, hoses, 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. 

What You'll Do

• 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, 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. 

• Adhere to all ITAR requirements (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). 

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Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications) 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

• 3+ years of experience in component or subsystem design and release 

• 5+ years of Engineering experience

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

• Proficiency in Teamcenter Visualization (TcVis) or engineering analysis tools 

• Experience with validation planning and execution 

• Strong communication and project management skills 

• Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee)

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What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications) 

• Prior GM experience with thermal or HVAC components

• Experience with component design & release

• Experience with issue resolution

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and vehicle integration. 

• Experience leading cross functional teams and supplier management

• Experience with Development, Validation, Warranty Analysis, DRBFM, DFMEA, PFMEA, and GM Quality Chain

• Thermal component design/manufacturing 

• Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) cooling strategy knowledge 

• Knowledge of Mil-Std’s (Military Standards) 

• DFSS Black Belt certification 

• Vehicle Launch Experience 

• Military/Defense Industry experience 

• MPG Level 2 driving + trailer license