Body Structures and Closures Systems Engineer

General Motors

. Own Body Structure and Closures SMT coordination across systems, subsystems, and vehicle interfaces .

Posted 9/30/2026full-timeWarren • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Body Structures and Closures with a focus on design release engineering, risk management, and stakeholder alignment. Proven ability to drive program success through effective communication, structured problem solving, and adherence to VDP/GVDP milestones.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Design Release EngineeringBody Structures and ClosuresStructured Problem SolvingRisk ManagementExecutive-Level Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Sheet Metal ComponentsVehicle-Level IntegrationProgram Scope ManagementCost ManagementQuality ManagementData-Driven Decision MakingBenchmarkingEngineering ChangesValidation ActivitiesEmerging Technologies Monitoring

Soft Skills

InfluencingNegotiationCollaborationResilienceAccountability

Tools & Technologies

GM Vehicle Program ProcessesVDP/GVDP Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Automotive Engineering

Industry Keywords

Body StructuresClosuresManufacturing KnowledgeBIW ManufacturingDRE ExperienceIRT Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own Body Structure and Closures SMT coordination across systems, subsystems, and vehicle interfaces
Define and drive technical imperatives aligned with program targets, milestones, and customer promises
Lead structured problem solving, root-cause analysis, and trade-off decisions
Define must-be-true conditions, contingencies, and data-driven decisions to protect program metrics
Identify and resolve issues at component and vehicle levels
Balance customer experience, manufacturability, cost, and enterprise constraints
Deliver concise, executive-ready written, verbal, and visual updates
Align stakeholders with competing objectives and remove enterprise-level roadblocks
Develop and manage 30/60/90-day and long-range plans
Identify and mitigate risks early
Lead delivery to cost, quality, and timing targets along the VDP/GVDP glidepath
Synthesize technical inputs into credible forecasts and aggregate status
Drive design deliverables, benchmarking, cost management, HVI, interface requirements, and financial/quality imperatives
Co-lead supplier selection, tooling kick-off, and PPAP readiness
Lead engineering changes and validation activities
Support DREs and IRTs through development and vehicle launch
Champion Engineering with Simplicity through simplification, standardization, and smart reuse
Develop improvement ideas for Body Structures and Closures SMT
Monitor emerging technologies and competitive products
Translate insights into design and execution strategies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline
5+ years of experience as a Design Release Engineer within Body Structures and/or Closures
Deep technical knowledge of sheet metal components and vehicle-level integration
Proven executive-level communication skills
Ability to influence, negotiate, and align cross-functional stakeholders
Strong track record of structured problem solving, risk management, and decisive execution
Experience managing program scope, timelines, budgets, and VDP/GVDP milestones
Results-driven mindset with demonstrated impact on Engineering with Simplicity or other enterprise imperatives
Familiarity with GM Vehicle Program processes, tools, and deliverables
Consistent demonstration of GM Behaviors, including integrity, collaboration, resilience, accountability, and continuous learning
Lead DRE experience in Body Structures and Closures Systems strongly preferred
Manufacturing experience or demonstrated strong BIW manufacturing knowledge base preferred
IRT experience preferred
Must not require GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future
Must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle regularly
Lateral opportunity only

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits and Total Rewards resources supporting well-being at work and at home
Travel requirements under 25%
Hybrid work arrangement with reporting to the specific location at least 3 times a week
Relocation costs may be covered by the selected candidate's own responsibility; the role is not eligible for relocation benefits