Junior Steel Metallurgist – R&D in Advanced Steels

General Motors Corporation; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors Research and Development in Warren, MI seeks an entry-level Physical Metallurgist (Steels) to innovate in steel metallurgy for next-generation vehicle applications. Plan and execute research on composition–process–structure–property relationships and collaborate across GM teams to translate findings into manufacturing solutions.

You will study phase transformations, thermo-mechanical processing, and microstructure development, driving product readiness and publication of results.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Must be graduating between August 2026 - June 2027.
• Strong foundation in physical metallurgy and phase transformations.
• Experience with steels including advanced/high-strength steels and press-hardening.
• Experience with metallographic preparation and characterization (SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRD, etc).
• Ability to connect alloy chemistry, processing, microstructure and performance using scientific methods.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute collaborative research in physical metallurgy and ferrous materials.
• Develop composition–process–structure–property relationships for advanced steels.
• Investigate phase transformations, recrystallization, precipitation, hardenability, and grain refinement.
• Design thermo-mechanical processing and heat-treatment strategies.
• Characterize steel microstructures and defects with optical, electron, diffraction, and chemical methods.
• Communicate results via technical reports, publications, and presentations.
• Collaborate with GM engineering teams and external partners.

Skills

Physical metallurgy

Iron–carbon metallurgy

Phase diagrams

Structure–property relationships

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Technical communication

Education

MS/PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or related field

PhD strongly preferred

Tools

SEM

EDS

EBSD

X-ray diffraction

Dilatometry

Job description

General Motors Research and Development in Warren, MI seeks an entry-level Physical Metallurgist (Steels) to innovate in steel metallurgy for next-generation vehicle applications. Plan and execute research on composition–process–structure–property relationships and collaborate across GM teams to translate findings into manufacturing solutions.

You will study phase transformations, thermo-mechanical processing, and microstructure development, driving product readiness and publication of results.