Creative Design Group – Industrial Design

General Motors; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors Design’s CMF group in Warren, Michigan seeks a Creative Designer to drive texture, color, and material solutions across GM programs. You will research trends, translate insights into concepts, and push CMF content from inception through implementation.

Your portfolio and 3D visualization skills will support cross-functional collaboration with designers, engineers and suppliers to deliver production-ready CMF solutions that reinforce GM’s brand DNA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in automotive design, industrial design, product design, interior design, fashion design, textile design, architecture, graphic design or a closely related design discipline.
• Professional CMF design experience in automotive, product or related industry.
• Highly proficient 2D rendering and digital visualization skills using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or equivalent software.
• Understanding of 3D surface language and experience with 3D visualization tools such as VRED, Alias, Rhino, Blender, Vizcom AI or similar.
• A portfolio showing design problem solving, ideation, trend boards, color palettes and 2D-to-3D translation.

Responsibilities

• Lead CMF strategy, concept development and execution for texture, color, materials and soft-trim solutions.
• Research global design trends, color theory, materials technology and future customer needs.
• Develop cohesive CMF proposals with strong proportion and translation from 2D to 3D concepts.
• Champion sustainable and responsible materials, coatings, finishes and processes.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers and cross-functional partners to advance program deliverables.
• Revise, refine and track design proposals aligned to timing and milestones.
• Prepare design documentation, presentations and prototypes communicating concepts clearly.

Skills

2D rendering

3D visualization

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

portfolio development

cross-functional collaboration

design thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in automotive design or related design discipline

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

VRED

Alias

Rhino

Blender

Vizcom AI or similar

Job description

Job Description The Role

Join General Motors Design’s Color, Materials and Finish (CMF) group in Warren, Michigan, where art, design and technology come together to shape the future of mobility. As a Creative Designer, you will contribute to a connected global design team developing forward-thinking, production-oriented CMF solutions across GM programs and brands. You will research customer and cultural trends, translate insights into compelling design proposals, and help carry concepts from inception through implementation. This role is an opportunity to make a visible impact through innovative, human-centered and sustainable color and material experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Lead CMF strategy, concept development and execution for texture, color, materials and soft-trim solutions that reinforce brand DNA.
• Research global design trends, color theory, materials technology and future customer needs across a broad range of demographics.
• Develop cohesive CMF proposals with strong command of proportion, composition and the translation of 2D ideas into 3D concepts.
• Champion innovative, sustainable and responsible materials, coatings, finishes and processes that support GM quality and sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with designers, sculptors, engineers and other cross-functional partners to resolve CMF content and advance program deliverables.
• Revise, refine and track design proposals while maintaining alignment to program timing and decision milestones.
• Prepare design documentation, presentations and prototypes that clearly communicate concepts and support implementation.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in automotive design, industrial design, product design, interior design, fashion design, textile design, architecture, graphic design or a closely related design discipline.
• Professional experience in CMF design for automotive, product or a related industry.
• Highly proficient 2D rendering and digital visualization skills using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or equivalent software.
• Demonstrated understanding of 3D surface language and experience with 3D visualization or AI-enabled design tools such as VRED, Alias, Rhino, Blender, Vizcom AI or similar.
• A portfolio demonstrating creative problem solving, design judgment, conceptual ideation, trend and inspiration boards, color palettes, material concepts, digital rendering, prototyping and translation from 2D proposals to 3D concepts.
• Understanding of how CMF design influences user experience and the customer journey.
• Ability to work onsite full time in Warren, Michigan.
• Submit a portfolio with your resume and application profile; an online link may be included in your resume or application, or a PDF may be uploaded as a separate attachment named LAST NAME, FIRST NAME (for example, Smith, John.pdf).
• Portfolio work must not be subject to a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement; work owned by a current or former employer or another third party requires express written consent before it is shared with GM.
• Portfolio submission is required. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. Candidates must meet the required qualifications and skillsets for this position; required qualifications cannot be waived for hiring.
• Experience leading complex CMF or design programs from concept through implementation.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience in automotive design or production design within a global, cross-functional organization.
• Advanced knowledge of sustainable materials, coatings, finishes and emerging materials technologies.
• A strong understanding of global customer and cultural trends, with the ability to connect insights to future mobility experiences.
• Experience using AI-assisted visualization or prototyping workflows to accelerate design exploration and communication.

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.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we’re looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources .

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

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.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.