Junior Computational Materials Scientist

General Motors; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors Research and Development seeks a Researcher in the Mechanics, Materials, and Process Research Lab to advance computational materials science at continuum scales. You will propose new directions, develop models, and lead studies connecting composition, microstructure, processing, and performance to support next-generation materials for GM vehicles.

You will apply continuum-scale and data-driven methods, guiding experimental validation and translating discoveries into practical

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related field.
• Graduating between August 2026 - June 2027 noted.
• Ability to work full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanics, transport, and structure-property relations.
• Experience with continuum-scale models for materials or manufacturing processes.
• Experience with FEM, phase-field, crystal plasticity, multiphysics, or related simulations.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (Python, C/C++, Fortran, MATLAB, Julia).
• Ability to translate physical assumptions into models and communicate limits clearly.
• Experience in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with internal/external collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute collaborative research in computational materials science focusing on continuum-scale behavior and materials discovery.
• Develop physics-based models for composition-process-structure-property relationships.
• Build and apply continuum and mesoscale simulation methods (FEM, phase-field, crystal plasticity, CFD, reaction-diffusion, cellular automata).
• Integrate thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanics, and processing science into predictive workflows.
• Use simulation and data-driven methods to screen materials, compositions, and processing conditions.
• Collaborate with experimental researchers to define experiments and interpret results.
• Establish verification, validation, calibration, and uncertainty quantification practices.
• Connect computational insights to manufacturing processes and vehicle performance requirements.
• Drive collaborations with GM teams, universities, labs, and software developers.

Skills

Continuum modeling

Data-driven methods

Python

C/C++

MATLAB

Finite-element analysis

Education

MS/PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

Tools

Fortran

Julia

Job description

General Motors Research and Development seeks a Researcher in the Mechanics, Materials, and Process Research Lab to advance computational materials science at continuum scales. You will propose new directions, develop models, and lead studies connecting composition, microstructure, processing, and performance to support next-generation materials for GM vehicles.

You will apply continuum-scale and data-driven methods, guiding experimental validation and translating discoveries into practical