Lead/Studio Design Engineer - Interior Components

General Motors Company; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking an Interior Components Studio Design Engineer to integrate interior components with design in collaboration with Architecture, SMT and Manufacturing. The role starts from early vehicle development to balance customer needs, engineering requirements, and design intent.

The position may be filled as Lead Studio Design Engineer or Studio Design Engineer. Hybrid work arrangement with some on-site expectations and a focus on innovation and design excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field.
• Experience with automotive design principles and CAD tools.
• Ability to work across functions and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Create and finalize engineering criteria with design partners.
• Lead development of integrated engineering solutions to resolve packaging issues.
• Use models to evaluate alternatives and support decisions.
• Apply DFSS to manage tradeoffs like cost, mass, timing and assembly.
• Develop space claims and package solutions meeting customer needs.
• Lead cross-functional surface and integration meetings.

Skills

5+ years experience

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Independent & collaborative

Strong design integration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Michigan Tech University DE Certificate (DE transition)

Tools

Unigraphics/NX

Job description

Job Description 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.

The Role

The Interior Components Studio Design Engineer is responsible for integrating and balancing interior components with Design in partnership with Architecture, SMT, Performance, Human Factors, and Manufacturing. This role works at the earliest stages of the vehicle development process, supporting the integration of innovative technology and advanced design at the systems level. The ideal candidate brings a passion for the automotive industry, strong technical judgment, creativity, and initiative, along with the ability to balance customer needs, engineering requirements, and design intent. This position may be filled with a Lead Studio Design Engineer or Studio Design Engineer. The level for this role will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

• Create, refine, and finalize engineering criteria in collaboration with creative design partners on customer facing interior components
• Lead development of integrated engineering solutions to resolve packaging issues while protecting design aesthetic
• Use physical and mathematical models to evaluate alternatives and support design decisions
• Apply DFSS methodologies to manage tradeoffs involving cost, mass, timing, assembly, dimensional variation, and other program requirements
• Integrate regional and global requirements and develop alternatives to support brand and market needs
• Communicate proactively with team members to resolve challenges within Expert Team meetings for assigned areas
• Ensure packaging and studio models align with customer-facing targets, including spaciousness, visibility, occupant accommodation, storage, cargo, and access
• Lead cross-functional surface and integration meetings, including CITs and Surface Workgroups
• Drive issue resolution and escalation for assigned areas of responsibility
• Support technical development of design surfaces in digital models, full-size clay models, clinic properties, and VR/MR mockups
• Benchmark competitive vehicles to ensure package competitiveness in section size, clearances, component locations, component size, and functional performance
• Develop meeting agendas and publish meeting minutes
• Create NX models to guide surface development
• Maintain and strengthen NX modeling skills
• Incorporate Voice of the Customer into package design
• Develop space claims and package solutions that maximize space utilization and meet customer needs
• Support Math Virtual Assessments and Synch Point reviews

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Lead Studio Design Engineer

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or other relevant degree
• 5+ years of experience in a related area
• Understanding of engineering theory and automotive design principles
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to integrate complex systems with a strong passion for design
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to solve unusual or complex problems
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across functions
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes
• Experience with CAD, including Unigraphics/NX
• Basic understanding of engineering specifications
• Equivalent established substitute may be considered, including technical associate background plus Michigan Tech University DE Certificate during the DE transition period

Studio Design Engineer

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or other relevant degree
• 2+ years of experience in a related area
• Understanding of engineering theory and automotive design principles
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to integrate complex systems with a strong passion for design
• Advanced analytical skills for solving unusual or difficult problems
• Effective interpersonal skills for cross‑functional teamwork
• Familiarity with automotive manufacturing processes
• Proficiency in CAD, specifically Unigraphics
• Working knowledge of engineering specifications

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience in interior component design and engineering
• Coursework in statistics, mechanics of materials, vehicle/occupant packaging, or integrated design
• #LI-KM2

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., H1‑B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J‑1, etc).

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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

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Benefits Overview

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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. We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role‑related assessment(s) and/or a pre‑employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

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We are leading the change to make our world better, safer and more equitable for all through our actions and how we behave. Learn more about: Our Company Our Culture How we hire Our diverse team of employees bring their collective passion for engineering, technology and design to deliver on our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. We are looking for adventure‑seekers and imaginative thought leaders to help us transform mobility.

Explore the global locations. We are determined to lead change for the world through technology, ingenuity and harnessing the creativity of our diverse team.

Join us to help lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all by becoming a member of GM’s Talent Community (beamery.com).