Bolted Joint Design Engineer — Hybrid On-Site

General Motors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors in Warren, MI is seeking a Fastening Engineer to join a hybrid on-site role focused on design, validation, and standardization of mechanical fasteners and bolted joints across vehicle systems. You will collaborate with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and suppliers to apply GM fastening standards.

The role emphasizes robust, cost-effective joints that meet safety and quality requirements, with opportunities to engage in joint calculations, specifications, design

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Engineering, or closely related field.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanics of materials (stress/strain, fatigue, preload, friction) and basic machine design.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and basic CAD models.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable with engineering calculations and use of calculation tools.
• Strong communication skills to work with cross-functional teams (Design, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, Plants).
• Willingness to learn GM fastening standards, tools, and procedures and apply them consistently.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and analysis of threaded and non-threaded joints (bolts, nuts, retainers, studs, washers, etc.) for assigned vehicle components and systems.
• Assist in fastener selection using fastener catalogs, engineering standards, and part classification tools.
• Run basic joint calculations (e.g., clamp load, torque, joint slip, thread engagement, strength checks) using standard GM calculators and methods.
• Help develop and maintain fastener tightening specifications in alignment with fastening standards.
• Support design reviews to ensure proper accessibility, serviceability, and manufacturing feasibility of joints.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing/Plant teams and Tooling/Equipment engineers to ensure fastening processes can be implemented reliably in the plant.
• Assist with correlation and validation activities, including torque‑tension testing, joint audits, and plant torque correlation studies.
• Document lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of fastening standards, guidelines, and checklists.
• Participate in issue resolution activities related to fastener failures, loosening, warranty concerns, or assembly problems, supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of fastener data, torque specs, joint calculations, and change history in the appropriate systems.

Skills

Reading engineering drawings

GD&T

Mechanics of materials

Analytical problem-solving

Engineering calculations

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Automotive Engineering

Materials Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Engineering calculation tools

Job description

General Motors in Warren, MI is seeking a Fastening Engineer to join a hybrid on-site role focused on design, validation, and standardization of mechanical fasteners and bolted joints across vehicle systems. You will collaborate with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and suppliers to apply GM fastening standards.

The role emphasizes robust, cost-effective joints that meet safety and quality requirements, with opportunities to engage in joint calculations, specifications, design