The Exterior Execution Vehicle Systems Engineer (VSE) serves as the chief integrator for Exterior Systems, including bumpers, grilles, exterior lighting, upper structures, and closures. This role owns exterior design intent and technical execution, ensuring subsystem decisions align with vehicle-level performance, quality, timing, and cost targets.
As the voice of the Exterior SMT, the VSE partners closely with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Studio, Compartment Integration, Program Teams, and Performance & Validation to deliver a robust, on-time, and cost-competitive product. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, program stewardship, and the ability to influence across a complex, matrixed organization.
Key Responsibilities
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System Integration & Program Leadership
Own Exterior SMT coordination across systems, subsystems, and vehicle interfaces; define technical imperatives aligned to program targets and milestones.
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Technical Decision-Making & Problem Solving
Lead structured problem solving, root-cause analysis, and trade-off decisions; define must-be-true conditions, set contingencies, and make timely decisions to protect program metrics.
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Vehicle-Level Technical Acumen
Identify and resolve issues at both component and vehicle levels; balance customer experience, manufacturability, cost, and enterprise constraints through clear technical communication.
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Executive & Cross-Functional Communication
Deliver concise, executive-ready updates (written, verbal, and visual); prioritize and tailor information for leaders, DREs, EGMs, and functional partners; clearly scope work for efficient execution.
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Influence, Negotiation & Alignment
Align stakeholders with competing objectives; remove enterprise-level roadblocks; secure agreements with BOM leaders, GFLs, suppliers, and Program Teams.
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Planning, Prioritization & Risk Management
Develop and manage 30/60/90-day and long-range plans; appropriately push back on scope; delegate effectively; identify and mitigate risks early.
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Cost, Budget & Imperative Management
Lead Exterior SMT delivery to cost, quality, and timing targets along the VDP/GVDP glidepath; synthesize detailed inputs into credible forecasts and aggregate status.
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Engineering Execution & Supplier Readiness
Drive design deliverables, benchmarking, cost management, HVI, interface requirements, and financial/quality imperatives; co-lead supplier selection, tooling kick-off, and PPAP readiness.
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Change, Validation & Launch Leadership
Anticipate risk, lead engineering changes, and coordinate validation activities; support DREs and IRTs through development and vehicle launch.
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Engineering with Simplicity (EwS) & Innovation
Champion EwS through simplification and standardization; develop and communicate a pipeline of Exterior SMT improvement ideas.
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Technology & Competitive Awareness
Monitor emerging exterior technologies and competitive products; translate insights into design and execution strategies.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline (Master’s preferred)
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Minimum 5 years of experience as a Design Release Engineer within Exterior Systems (e.g., bumpers/fascias, lighting, glazing, mirrors, seals, ornamentation, aero, exterior finish)
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Lead DRE experience in Exterior Systems strongly preferred
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Deep technical knowledge of Exterior components and vehicle-level integration
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Proven executive-level communication and storytelling skills
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Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and align cross-functional stakeholders
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Strong track record of structured problem solving, risk management, and decisive execution
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Experience managing program scope, timelines, budgets, and VDP/GVDP milestones
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Results-driven mindset with demonstrated impact on EwS or other enterprise imperatives
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Familiarity with GM Vehicle Program processes, tools, and deliverables
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Consistent demonstration of GM Behaviors, including integrity, collaboration, resilience, accountability, and continuous learning
