Senior Hydraulic Controls DRE or Technical Specialist

Job Description

This position may be filled as either a Transmission Hydraulic Controls Design and Release Engineer (DRE) or a Technical Specialist, depending on the candidate’s demonstrated scope, technical influence, and ownership of technology. The role supports GM’s current and next-generation internal-combustion-engine portfolios and represents multiple opportunities within the PMT. Key responsibilities include the design and release of valve body assemblies and related components, such as valves, solenoids, castings, and spacer plates. The position also requires close collaboration with component suppliers and GM manufacturing plants responsible for final valve body assembly.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and Release

• Ensure global strategies are developed and defined and are globally harmonized.  Ensure rich technical discussion / direction for overall commodity.          
• Perform complex design analysis and evaluate engineering designs.
• Work cross-functionally to implement cost reduction, methods and product improvements, and to support prototype and production build activities.
• Balance business imperatives, including but not limited to cost, mass, complexity, and timing.
• Manage engineering changes and ensure timely release, PPAP, and implementation at plants and suppliers.
• Collaborate with casting, machining, and gasket suppliers to improve manufacturing quality and reduce defects.
• Conduct supplier process audits and capability studies; drive corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Support validation of running changes in lab and vehicle to ensure compliance with GM specifications and standards.
• Lead root cause analysis for field and warranty issues; develop and implement containment and corrective actions.
• Communicate status, risks, and issue-resolution plans to leadership, manufacturing, quality, and cross-functional program teams.
• Stay abreast of relevant new technology and competitive products.

Global Harmonization of Commodity Strategies                                                         

• Ensure global strategies are developed and defined and are globally harmonized.  Ensure rich technical discussion / direction for overall commodity.          

Develop & Maintain BOM Strategy & Reuse                                                

• Commodity Benchmarking, both performance testing and physical analysis                          
• Develop/define and globally harmonized strategies.  Ensure rich technical discussion / direction for overall commodity.                                                       

Lead Technology & Innovation of Commodity                                                             

• Strategy integration & cross-subsystem/component support                                                      
• Drive technology to future vision (5/10 yr plan)                                                 
• Commodity Benchmarking, both performance testing and physical analysis                          
• Ensure Compliance to GM Safety Practices                                                          
• Regulatory Advisory   

Create/Maintain Base Knowledge Documents

• Develop and maintain standard work templates and documents (Base Knowledge documents) for commodity                                                                                                     

Lead/Support Problem Solving activities impacting commodity                                                   

• Provide component specific guidance on problem solving (including system level problem solving e.g. ERGO, RRAB deployment, fit/finish as appropriate)                                       
• Participate in CAE Reviews     

Support Mentoring/Coaching                                                    

• Share lessons/learnings with global stakeholders expediently                                                     
• Provide technical guidance/direction to Technical Specialists, Lead DRE, Chief Engineers & Program Team as appropriate                                                       
• Support activities to mentor, train and coach product and program engineering roles
• Create and maintain training materials  

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in design and release
• Demonstrate excellent level of analytical ability, communication and interpersonal skills required to build relationships with team members and customers to solve problems and resolve issues
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple and complex projects and assignments with autonomy and accountability for results
• Good understanding of major automotive subsystems
• Proven ability in project management skills and ability to teach others
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering
• Technical writing ability to create written engineering evaluation reports
• Ability to read, interpret and generate engineering drawings and specifications
• Familiarity with CAD and CAE

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree in Engineering
• 9+ years of experience in Design and Release of Components
• Direct experience with transmission and/or hydraulic control components.
• In-depth knowledge of transmissions systems and calibration
• Understanding of GD&T principles
• Experience with ‘build to print’ parts – or Make parts.
• Experience managing OEMs or suppliers on critical timelines
• Knowledge of PPAP, APQP, and automotive quality standards and requirements.
• Familiarity with DFMEA and structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Red X, DFSS, fishbone).
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple and complex projects and assignments with autonomy and accountability for results
• Strong people leadership and coaching capabilities.

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