Job Description

The Chassis Engineering Group Manager – Design Release Engineering leads a team of Design Release Engineers (DREs) accountable for end‑to‑end design ownership of key chassis systems and components, including Tires & Wheels, Driveline, Steering Systems, Propshafts, and Brake Systems & Controls.

This role ensures robust technical solutions, on‑time program delivery, adherence to global engineering standards, and flawless execution from concept through launch and current production. The Group Manager builds technical and leadership capability within the team, drives cross‑functional alignment, and champions quality, safety, cost, and timing targets across multiple vehicle programs and regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team of DREs responsible for Tires & Wheels, Driveline, Steering Systems, Propshafts, and Brake Systems & Controls, providing clear direction, priorities, and performance feedback. 

• Own the execution of assigned chassis content across all relevant vehicle programs, from early architecture and packaging through launch and lifecycle, ensuring alignment to program objectives. 

• Ensure robust requirements, specifications, and design solutions that meet vehicle performance, safety, durability, NVH, mass, cost, manufacturability, and serviceability targets for the scoped systems. 

• Approve and oversee design release of components and systems including engineering BOM, drawings, technical documentation, and change management. 

• Drive cross‑functional integration with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Validation, Supplier Quality, QRD, PLP/Cost Optimization and Program Management to resolve issues and remove roadblocks for the scoped chassis systems. 

• Lead the technical interface and develop key supplier for Tires & Wheels, Driveline, Steering, Propshafts, and Brake Systems & Controls, including design reviews, DFMEAs, DVP&R, change control, and launch readiness. 

• Champion adherence to GM engineering standards, global technical guidelines, and lessons learned for all in‑scope systems; ensure compliance with applicable regulations and internal requirements. 

• Monitor and manage key program metrics (timing, quality, investment, mass, piece cost, engineering changes) for assigned systems, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation plans. 

• Support and lead issue resolution using structured problem‑solving methods (e.g., 8D, root‑cause analysis) for development, launch, and field issues related to the in‑scope chassis content. 

• Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, continuous improvement, and innovation within the group, encouraging best practice sharing across programs and regions. 

• Represent Chassis Engineering for these systems in program reviews, technical design reviews, leadership updates, and governance forums, providing clear status, risks, and recommendations. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related engineering field. 

• Extensive experience in automotive chassis or vehicle dynamics engineering, with significant depth in one or more of: Tires & Wheels, Driveline, Steering Systems, Propshafts, and/or Brake Systems & Controls. 

• Demonstrated experience in Design Release Engineering or equivalent full product ownership for series‑production components or systems. 

• Proven leadership experience (project or people leadership), 

• Strong knowledge of the full vehicle development process, including requirements definition, DFMEA, DVP&R, release, and change management. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex trade‑offs between performance, cost, mass, and timing. 

• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with ability to summarize complex technical issues and influence decisions at multiple levels of the organization. 

• Proficiency with CAD/PLM and standard engineering and issue‑tracking tools; familiarity with GM global development and release processes is preferred. 

• Fluent/Advanced in English (will be tested)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing global or regional engineering teams and coordinating work across multiple sites or time zones. 

• Prior responsibility for multiple chassis commodities across several vehicle programs, including launch support in plants. 

• Experience with regulatory and homologation requirements impacting Tires & Wheels, Brakes & Controls, and Steering Systems. 

• Demonstrated record of driving innovation, cost optimization, and complexity reduction across chassis systems. 

Work Location and Travel

• Primary work location: [São Caetano do Sul/Tech Center]. 

• Some domestic and international travel may be required to support suppliers, testing, and manufacturing plants.

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.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities

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.

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.

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