Body Structures and Closures Vehicle Systems Engineer
GMJob 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) or similar enterprise initiatives
Familiarity with GM vehicle program processes, tools, and deliverables
Behavioral Expectations:
Strong track record of structured problem solving and decisive execution
Results‑driven mindset with accountability for outcomes
Consistent demonstration of GM Behaviors: integrity, collaboration, resilience, accountability, and continuous learning
Sponsorship Eligibility:
GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)
Travel Requirements (If applicable):
The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.
Work Related Driving Requirements (If applicable):
This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will only be provided for this role by passing the Motor Vehicle Report review.
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.About GM
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