Design and Release Engineering- Fastening

General Motors; Warren, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The General Motors Warren Tech Center is seeking a Fastening Engineer to design, validate, and optimize mechanical fasteners and bolted joints used in vehicle systems. This hybrid role requires on-site work at least three days per week and close collaboration with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supplier Quality, and external fastener suppliers.

You will run basic joint calculations, develop tightening specifications, support design reviews, and document data and changes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive/Materials Eng or closely related field.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanics of materials (stress/strain, fatigue, preload).
• Ability to read drawings, GD&T, and basic CAD models.
• Analytical with comfort in engineering calculations and tools.

Responsibilities

• Support design and analysis of threaded and non-threaded joints for vehicle components.
• Assist in fastener selection using catalogs, standards, and classifications.
• Run basic joint calculations (clamp load, torque, engagement) with GM methods.
• Help develop tightening specifications aligned with fastening standards.
• Support design reviews for accessibility, serviceability and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing/Plant teams to ensure reliable processes.
• Assist with torque-tension validation, joint audits, and data documentation.
• Document lessons learned and contribute to standards updates.
• Participate in root-cause analysis for fastener issues and corrective actions.

Skills

Mechanics

GD&T

CAD Reading

Joint Calculations

Cross-functional

Education

B.S. Mechanical Eng

Automotive Eng

Tools

CAD

Calculators

Job description

Job Description This role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the selected candidate will be expected to work on‑site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week (or other frequency determined by their manager). This role is not eligible for relocation assistance At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next‑generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale..

About the role: The Fastening Engineer supports the design, selection, and validation of mechanical fasteners and bolted joints used in vehicle systems. This role ensures joints are robust, cost‑effective, and manufacturable, while meeting safety, durability, and quality requirements. The engineer collaborates closely with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Fastener Suppliers to apply GM global fastening standards and best practices.

What You’ll Do (Key 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.

Basic Qualifications (Requirements)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a 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.
• Good analytical and problem‑solving skills; comfortable with engineering calculations and use of engineering 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Co‑op, internship, or project experience involving bolted joints or torque tightening assembly processes.
• Familiarity with fastener standards (e.g., metric property classes, strength tables, torque‑tension principles).
• Exposure to manufacturing environments utilizing mechanical fasteners (vehicle assembly, body shop, powertrain, or component plants).
• Experience using basic analysis tools or calculators for torque‑tension or joint design (even academic).

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. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

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