Design Release Engineer – Exterior Lighting

General Motors

Exterior Lighting Design Release Engineer developing and releasing lighting systems for GM EV and ICE vehicles. Integrating designs from concept through production launch at Warren Tech Center.

Posted 9/3/2026full-timeWarren • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in the design and development of exterior lighting systems for automotive applications, with a strong focus on performance requirements, engineering validation, and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in managing project timelines, supplier engagement, and compliance with global lighting regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Exterior Lighting DesignNX/Teamcenter ProficiencyDFMEA KnowledgeProject Management SkillsEngineering Validation Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringProduct DevelopmentDesign ReleaseBOM CreationGD&TLighting ElectronicsOpticsMATLABPython

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsCross-Functional CollaborationProject Management

Tools & Technologies

NXTeamcenterUnigraphicsAbaqusSimulink

Industry Keywords

Automotive SystemsInjection-Molded Plastic ComponentsGlobal Vehicle Lighting RequirementsContinuous Improvement InitiativesDesign Feasibility

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design, development, and release of exterior lighting components and systems for GM vehicle programs, including EV and ICE platforms
Support concept development through production launch
Define performance requirements based on customer needs, benchmarking, regulations, and program objectives
Lead packaging integration and manage design feasibility
Develop and manage NX/Teamcenter math data, packaging studies, and vehicle integration activities
Support design reviews, feature development, lighting animations, and system-level communications
Lead issue resolution, engineering evaluations, and design tradeoff decisions involving performance, cost, mass, manufacturability, and timing
Collaborate with Styling, Electrical, Validation, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and suppliers
Manage supplier engagement, validation activities, and launch readiness
Create and maintain SORs, SOWs, ICDs, DFMEAs, DVP&R, drawings, and BOMs
Support benchmarking, technology development, and continuous improvement initiatives
Deliver robust, compliant, production-ready exterior lighting designs meeting program timing, quality, cost, and performance targets

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline
2+ years of engineering experience in exterior lighting, injection-molded plastic components, or related automotive systems
Proficiency with NX and Teamcenter/Unigraphics
Experience with vehicle integration, product development, design release, and engineering validation processes
Knowledge of DFMEA, DVP&R, GD&T, BOM creation, and engineering documentation
Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive technical decisions independently
Experience with exterior lighting regulations and global vehicle lighting requirements preferred
Experience working with global suppliers and supporting programs through production launch preferred
Knowledge of lighting electronics, optics, animations, and feature development preferred
Familiarity with MATLAB, Simulink, Abaqus, Python, or related engineering tools preferred
Advanced engineering degree preferred
Must not require GM immigration-related sponsorship now or in the future, including H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, and J-1 sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits and Total Rewards resources available from day one
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities
Inclusive workplace fostering belonging and professional development