Body Structures and Closures Vehicle Systems Engineer

Job 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 Role Overview: As the Body Structures and Closures Vehicle Systems Engineer (VSE), you are the chief integrator for Body Structures and Closures systems across the vehicle. Your scope spans Body-in-White, Body Sealing, Closures sheet metal, Chassis Structures, Door Seals, and functional black plastics, including frunk components. In this highly visible role, you own design intent and technical execution, ensuring subsystem decisions align to vehicle-level performance, quality, timing, and cost targets. You serve as the voice of the Body Structures and Closures SMT, connecting engineering rigor to customer experience and business outcomes. This role requires strong technical judgment, disciplined program leadership, and the ability to influence across a complex, matrixed organization. Why This Role Matters In this role, you will: Directly shape how customers experience vehicle structure, feel, and function Operate at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, design, and business Set technical direction and help define the next generation of GM vehicles Drive visible impact across programs with a clear line of sight to enterprise outcomes If you are energized by complex systems, high-impact decisions, and leading through influence, this role offers a platform to make a meaningful difference. What You’ll Do System Integration & Program Leadership: Own Body Structures and Closures SMT coordination across systems, subsystems, and vehicle interfaces Define and drive technical imperatives aligned to program milestones, targets, and customer commitments Technical Decision-Making & Problem Solving: Lead structured problem solving, root-cause analysis, and trade-off decisions Establish must‑be‑true conditions, risk mitigations, and contingency plans Make timely, data‑driven decisions to protect vehicle performance metrics Vehicle-Level Technical Leadership: Identify and resolve issues at both component and vehicle levels Balance customer experience, manufacturability, cost, and enterprise constraints Communicate complex technical topics clearly and decisively Executive & Cross-Functional Communication: Deliver concise, executive‑ready updates (written, verbal, and visual) Frame issues and recommendations for leaders, DREs, EGMs, and functional partners Clearly define scope and priorities so teams can execute with alignment Influence, Alignment & Negotiation: Align stakeholders with competing objectives Secure durable agreements with BOM leaders, TEDs, suppliers, and Program Teams Remove enterprise‑level roadblocks that put program objectives at risk Planning, Prioritization & Risk Management: Develop and manage 30/60/90‑day and long‑range plans Proactively identify, escalate, and mitigate technical and program risks Push back on scope when needed and delegate effectively Cost, Quality & Timing Leadership: Lead SMT delivery to cost, quality, and timing targets along the VDP/GVDP glidepath Translate detailed technical inputs into credible forecasts and clear aggregate status Engineering Execution & Supplier Readiness: Drive design deliverables, benchmarking, HVI, interface requirements, and cost management Co‑lead supplier selection, tooling kick‑off, and PPAP readiness Ensure launch readiness and execution excellence Change, Validation & Launch Support: Lead engineering changes and validation activities with discipline and urgency Support DREs and IRTs through development and launch Ensure issues are resolved before they reach the customer Engineering with Simplicity (EwS) & Innovation: Champion Engineering with Simplicity (EwS) through standardization and reuse Develop and communicate a pipeline of SMT improvement and innovation ideas Technology & Competitive Awareness: Monitor emerging technologies and competitive products Translate insights into pragmatic design and execution strategies What You Bring Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline 5+ years of experience as a Design Release Engineer in Body Structures and/or Closures (e.g., sheet metal stampings and assemblies, chassis structures, door seals, functional black plastics) Deep technical knowledge of sheet metal components and vehicle-level integration Proven ability to deliver clear, executive‑level technical communication Demonstrated success influencing and aligning cross‑functional stakeholders Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Engineering Lead DRE experience in Body Structures and Closures Systems Manufacturing experience or strong BIW manufacturing knowledge IRT experience Experience managing program scope, timelines, budgets, and VDP/GVDP milestones Demonstrated impact on Engineering with Simplicity (EwS)