Body Structures and Closures Vehicle Systems Engineer

**Job Description** **Body Structures and Closures Vehicle Systems Engineer** Shape how our customers experience the vehicle – every time they open a door, close a hatch, or step inside. **Role Overview** As the Body Structures and Closures Vehicle Systems Engineer (VSE), you are the chief integrator for Body Structures and Closures Systems – spanning Body in White, Body Sealing Solutions, Closures sheet metal, Chassis Structure, Door Seals, and frunk black plastics. You own design intent and technical execution, ensuring every subsystem decision rolls up into compelling vehicle\-level performance, quality, timing, and cost. This is a highly visible, high\-impact role where you connect the dots between engineering rigor, customer experience, and business outcomes. You are the voice of the Body Structure and Closures SMT, partnering 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, disciplined program stewardship, and the ability to influence across a complex, matrixed organization. **Why This Role Matters** In this role, you will: * Directly shape how customers experience the structure, feel, and function of our vehicles. * Sit at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, design, and business, with a clear line of sight to program and enterprise outcomes. * Have the opportunity to set the technical direction, build alignment, and help define the next generation of GM vehicles. If you are energized by complex systems, visible impact, and leading through influence, this role gives you a platform to make a meaningful difference for our customers, our teams, and our future products. **What You’ll Do** System Integration \& Program Leadership * Own **Body Structure and Closures SMT** coordination across systems, subsystems, and vehicle interfaces. * Define and drive **technical imperatives** that align to program targets, milestones, and customer promises. Technical Decision\-Making \& Problem Solving * Lead **structured problem solving, root\-cause analysis, and trade\-off decisions** that protect vehicle performance. * Define **must\-be\-true conditions** , set contingencies, and make **timely, data\-driven decisions** to protect program metrics. Vehicle\-Level Technical Acumen * Identify and resolve issues at both **component and vehicle levels** . * Balance **customer experience, manufacturability, cost, and enterprise constraints** through clear, grounded technical communication. Executive \& Cross\-Functional Communication * Deliver **concise, executive\-ready updates** (written, verbal, and visual). * Prioritize and tailor information for **leaders, DREs, EGMs, and functional partners** to enable fast, confident decisions. * Clearly **scope and frame work** so teams can execute efficiently and with alignment. Influence, Negotiation \& Alignment * Align stakeholders with **competing objectives** and remove **enterprise\-level roadblocks** . * Secure durable agreements with **BOM leaders, TEDs, suppliers, and Program Teams** that keep the program on track. Planning, Prioritization \& Risk Management * Develop and manage **30/60/90\-day and long\-range plans** that are realistic and transparent. * Appropriately **push back on scope** , delegate effectively, and **identify and mitigate risks early** . Cost, Budget \& Imperative Management * Lead Body Structures and Closures SMT delivery to **cost, quality, and timing targets** along the **VDP/GVDP glidepath** . * Synthesize detailed technical inputs into **credible forecasts and clear aggregate status** . 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** to ensure launch success. Change, Validation \& Launch Leadership * Anticipate risk and lead **engineering changes and validation activities** with discipline and speed. * Support **DREs and IRTs** through development and **vehicle launch** , ensuring issues are resolved before they reach the customer. Engineering with Simplicity (EwS) \& Innovation * Champion **Engineering with Simplicity (EwS)** through **simplification, standardization, and smart reuse** . * Develop and communicate a **pipeline of Body Structures and Closures SMT improvement ideas** that raise the bar across programs. Technology \& Competitive Awareness * Monitor **emerging technologies and competitive products** . * Translate insights into **pragmatic design and execution strategies** that keep GM products competitive and differentiated. **What You Bring** * **Bachelor’s degree** in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline ( **Master’s preferred** ). * **5\+ years** of experience as a **Design Release Engineer** within Body Structures and/or Closures (e.g., sheet metal stampings and assemblies, chassis structures, door seals, functional black plastics). * **Lead DRE experience** in Body Structures and Closures Systems strongly preferred. * **Manufacturing experience** or a demonstrated strong **BIW manufacturing knowledge base** preferred. * **IRT experience** preferred. * Deep technical knowledge of **sheet metal components and vehicle\-level integration** . * Proven **executive\-level communication skills** – clear, concise, and action\-oriented. * Demonstrated 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 **EwS 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** . **Additional Job Details:** Lateral opportunity only **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., H1\-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J\-1, etc). **Remote Type:** 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}. **Travel Requirements (If applicable):** The selected candidate will be required to travel \<25% for this role. **Relocation Eligibility:** This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. **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. **Export Controls (If Applicable):** Management Level: 7 \&\#xa;\&\#xa;\&\#xa;\&\#xa; **About GM** Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. **Why Join Us** We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team. **Benefits Overview** From day one, we're looking out for your well\-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting **Total Rewards resources** . **Non\-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)** General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. All employment decisions are made on a non\-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role\-related assessment(s) and/or a pre\-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit **How we Hire** . **Accommodations** General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, **email** us or call us at 1\-800\-865\-7580\. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.