2027 Summer Intern - Manufacturing Engineering - Global Propulsion Systems

General Motors; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is offering a GPS ME Manufacturing Engineering Intern role, immersing you in real projects across propulsion systems, from high-voltage motors to battery systems. You’ll work on plant floors or labs, applying lean principles and using CAD/CAM tools while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

You will gain exposure to multiple propulsion technology areas, develop engineering deliverables, and contribute to ongoing programs with tangible impact during the summer internship.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related engineering field.
• Expected graduation between Dec 2027 and Jun 2029.
• Strong foundation in mechanics, materials, or manufacturing processes.
• Able to analyze data and draw conclusions from test results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Willing to travel to GM plants or technical labs as needed.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing process development by researching and optimizing processes in lab or plant.
• Assist installation, debugging, and qualification of manufacturing equipment.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and document standardized work.
• Use virtual engineering tools to create 3D layouts or CAD/CAM work instructions.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Quality, and Plant Operations to solve manufacturing issues.
• Develop and present engineering deliverables to leads and stakeholders.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Electrical/Industrial Eng or Materials Science

Graduation between Dec 2027 and Jun 2029

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Manufacturing simulation tools

Job description

Job Description

The Role:

As a GPS ME Manufacturing Engineering Intern, you'll work alongside world-class engineers to help shape how General Motors builds the propulsion systems that define the future of mobility, from high-voltage electric motors and battery systems to precision-machined transmissions and drive units. This is not a passive internship: you'll be embedded in real project teams, contributing to active programs with genuine deadlines and tangible impact. Depending on your assignment, you may find yourself on a plant floor qualifying new equipment, in a process development lab optimizing a manufacturing technique, or at a virtual engineering workstation designing the factory of tomorrow. You'll collaborate across engineering disciplines, interact with product teams, and experience how large-scale manufacturing decisions get made at one of the world's leading automakers. This role offers a GPS-wide experience, giving you exposure to multiple propulsion technology areas across the summer.

The Team:

General Motors' Global Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineering (GPS ME) organization is at the heart of how GM brings its most critical technologies to life on the factory floor. Our team designs, develops, procures, and implements the manufacturing systems that power GM vehicles worldwide, spanning Transmissions, Drive Units, Electric Motors, Engines, Castings, Battery and Energy Storage Systems, and Fuel Cells. With sub-organizations dedicated to Drive Units, Transmissions & eMotors, Engines & Castings, Cells & Battery Systems, Standards & Launch Excellence, and Business Process & Continuous Improvement, GPS ME touches every corner of GM's propulsion portfolio.

What You'll Do:

• Support manufacturing process development by researching, testing, and optimizing assembly or fabrication processes for propulsion components such as electric motors, drive units, transmissions, or battery systems in a lab or plant environment.
• Contribute to equipment launch activities by assisting with installation, debugging, and qualification of manufacturing equipment, and helping document results to meet program launch metrics.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles by analyzing production line throughput, identifying waste, and supporting the development or improvement of standardized work documentation.
• Use virtual engineering tools to create or refine 3D process layouts, simulation models, or CAD/CAM work instructions that support manufacturing planning and equipment design.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Engineering, Quality, and Plant Operations, to solve active manufacturing quality or scrap issues tied to process or design root causes.
• Participate in structured problem-solving activities at manufacturing sites, applying engineering methodologies to identify defect root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and present engineering deliverables, including technical reports, process documentation, or project updates, to engineering leads and program stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related technical field.
• Must be graduating between December 2027 and June 2029.
• Strong foundational knowledge of engineering principles, including mechanics, materials, or manufacturing processes, gained through coursework or project experience.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and solve problems systematically; comfortable drawing conclusions from test results, data sets, or observations.
• Effective communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to a diverse audience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also managing individual tasks and deliverables independently.
• Willingness and ability to travel to and work at GM manufacturing plants or technical labs as required by the internship assignment (travel is assignment-dependent; not all roles require travel).

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• Hands‑on experience with CAD software (e.g., NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or manufacturing simulation and digital tools.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing concepts, such as value stream mapping, standardized work, or Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), through coursework, club involvement, or prior work experience.
• Prior internship, co‑op, or research experience in a manufacturing, automotive, or industrial engineering environment.
• Exposure to electric vehicle or propulsion technologies, including electric motors, power electronics, battery systems, or drivetrain components, through coursework or personal projects.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel (advanced), Python, MATLAB, or Minitab for engineering or process analysis.
• Participation in engineering c