2027 Summer Intern – Research and Development - Nondestructive Evaluation

General Motors LLC; United States; Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Job summary

General Motors LLC in Warren, MI seeks a graduate or advanced undergraduate engineering student to support R&D of advanced ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies for next‑generation manufacturing inspection systems. The intern will contribute to in‑line inspection, sensing, modeling, and automation approaches.

You will work on wave propagation modeling, nonlinear acoustics, guided wave techniques, and robotic inspection systems, collaborating with materials, robotics, sensing,

Qualifications

• Pursuing a masters or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field from a leading university.
• Must be a current student and able to work full-time, 40 hours per week during the summer months.
• Strong academic and applied background in acoustics, with experience in nonlinear acoustics, wave propagation, experiments, and modeling.
• Strong modeling skills (COMSOL or similar).

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate models of wave propagation in engineering materials and manufacturing processes.
• Support research involving advanced ultrasonic inspection methods, including nonlinear acoustics and guided wave testing.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments for nondestructive testing and evaluation.
• Analyze nondestructive measurement data and correlate results with manufacturing process conditions, material quality, and defect characteristics.
• Assist in the development of in-line and automated inspection technologies for manufacturing environments.
• Support the integration of sensing technologies with inspection platforms.
• Participate in data analysis, visualization, and algorithm development for defect detection and process monitoring.
• Document research findings through technical reports, presentations, and experimental procedures.

Skills

Acoustics

Wave propagation

Modeling (COMSOL)

Laboratory testing

Robotics integration

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL

Ultrasonic testing equipment

Job description

Job Description

The Role: We are seeking a highly motivated graduate or advanced undergraduate engineering student to support research and development activities focused on advanced ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies for next-generation manufacturing inspection systems. The intern will contribute to the development of next-generation in-line inspection technologies for manufacturing quality assurance and process monitoring through advanced sensing, modeling, and automation approaches. This position offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge inspection technologies which may include wave propagation modeling, nonlinear acoustics, guided wave techniques, robotic inspection systems, and advanced data analytics. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams spanning materials engineering, manufacturing, robotics, sensing technologies, and computational modeling. The intern will gain hands-on experience in:

• Advanced NDE technologies in a manufacturing environment
• Wave propagation modeling and simulation
• Development and validation of manufacturing inspection technologies
• Robotic inspection and sensor integration
• Research execution, technical reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Application of advanced sensing and automation technologies to manufacturing quality challenges

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and validate models of wave propagation in engineering materials and manufacturing processes.
• Support research involving advanced ultrasonic inspection methods, including:
  • Advanced ultrasonic techniques, e.g., nonlinear acoustics, guided wave testing, etc.
  • Advanced manufacturing inspection methodologies
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments for nondestructive testing and evaluation
• Analyze nondestructive measurement data and correlate results with manufacturing process conditions, material quality, and defect characteristics.
• Assist in the development of in-line and automated inspection technologies for manufacturing environments
• Support the integration of sensing technologies with inspection platforms
• Participate in data analysis, visualization, and algorithm development for defect detection, characterization, and manufacturing process monitoring
• Document research findings through technical reports, presentations, and experimental procedures
• Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and technical specialists on advanced manufacturing and inspection technology projects.

Required Qualifications:

Pursuing a masters or PhD. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field from a leading university. Must be a current student Able to work fulltime, 40 hours per week during the summer months Strong academic and applied background in acoustics, with experience in nonlinear acoustics wave propagation, experiments, and modeling. Strong modeling skills (COMSOL or similar).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with:

• Guided waves
• Phased array ultrasound and beamforming laws
• Integrating quality systems into inline manufacturing processes
• Other nondestructive modalities, such as electromagnetic techniques
• Sensor fabrication
• Experience in industrial or automotive manufacturing environments
• Publication record in leading conferences (e.g., ASNT, ASA, QNDE, SPIE, etc.

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.

Work Arrangement:

• Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, MI three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business].

GM will provide a one-time lump sum taxable stipend payment to eligible students selected for the 2027 Student Program - to help facilitate administration of relocation benefits, please apply using the permanent address you would move from.

Start dates for this internship role are May 24th & June 14th of 2027.

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