Lead/Studio Design Engineer - Interior Components

General Motors Company; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors Company is seeking an Interior Components Studio Design Engineer to lead the integration of interior packages and surfaces. You will work across design, architecture, SMT, and manufacturing early in vehicle development, balancing space, aesthetics, and functionality.

The role emphasizes DFSS-driven tradeoffs, cross‑functional collaboration, and advanced CAD modeling including NX. Hybrid work arrangements are expected in this position.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or related field required; automotive design knowledge strongly preferred.
• Experience collaborating with design, architecture, SMT, performance, and manufacturing teams.
• Proven ability to balance customer needs, engineering requirements, and design intent.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, especially Unigraphics/NX.

Responsibilities

• Create, refine, and finalize engineering criteria with design partners for interior components.
• Lead development of integrated solutions to resolve packaging issues while protecting design aesthetics.
• Use models to evaluate alternatives and support decisions; apply DFSS tradeoffs.
• Coordinate with regional/global teams to support brand and market needs.
• Lead cross‑functional meetings and drive issue resolution.
• Develop surfaces in digital models, clay, and VR/MR mockups.
• Benchmark competitors for packaging and space utilization.

Skills

Automotive design principles

Unigraphics/NX CAD

Cross‑functional collaboration

Strong communication

Engineering analysis

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related degree

Michigan Tech University DE Certificate during the DE transition period

Tools

Unigraphics/NX

Job description

Job DescriptionAt 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 RoleThe 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 componentsLead development of integrated engineering solutions to resolve packaging issues while protecting design aestheticUse physical and mathematical models to evaluate alternatives and support design decisionsApply DFSS methodologies to manage tradeoffs involving cost, mass, timing, assembly, dimensional variation, and other program requirementsIntegrate regional and global requirements and develop alternatives to support brand and market needsCommunicate proactively with team members to resolve challenges within Expert Team meetings for assigned areasEnsure packaging and studio models align with customer-facing targets, including spaciousness, visibility, occupant accommodation, storage, cargo, and accessLead cross-functional surface and integration meetings, including CITs and Surface WorkgroupsDrive issue resolution and escalation for assigned areas of responsibilitySupport technical development of design surfaces in digital models, full-size clay models, clinic properties, and VR/MR mockupsBenchmark competitive vehicles to ensure package competitiveness in section size, clearances, component locations, component size, and functional performanceDevelop meeting agendas and publish meeting minutesCreate NX models to guide surface developmentMaintain and strengthen NX modeling skillsIncorporate Voice of the Customer into package designDevelop space claims and package solutions that maximize space utilization and meet customer needsSupport Math Virtual Assessments and Synch Point reviewsYour Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications): Lead Studio Design EngineerBachelor of Science in Engineering or other relevant degree5+ years of experience in a related areaUnderstanding of engineering theory and automotive design principlesStrong oral and written communication skillsDemonstrated ability to work independently and collaborativelyAbility to integrate complex systems with a strong passion for designStrong analytical skills with the ability to solve unusual or complex problemsStrong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across functionsFamiliarity with manufacturing processesExperience with CAD, including Unigraphics/NXBasic understanding of engineering specificationsEquivalent established substitute may be considered, including technical associate background plus Michigan Tech University DE Certificate during the DE transition periodYour Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications): Studio Design EngineerBachelor of Science in Engineering or other relevant degree2+ years of experience in a related areaUnderstanding of engineering theory and automotive design principlesExcellent oral and written communication skillsProven ability to work both independently and collaborativelyAbility to integrate complex systems with a strong passion for designAdvanced analytical skills for solving unusual or difficult problemsEffective interpersonal skills for cross‑functional teamworkFamiliarity with automotive manufacturing processesProficiency in CAD, specifically UnigraphicsWorking knowledge of engineering specificationsWhat Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)Experience in interior component design and engineeringCoursework in statistics, mechanics of materials, vehicle/occupant packaging, or integrated design#LI-KM2GM 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 GMOur 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 UsWe 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 OverviewFrom 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.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 .AccommodationsGeneral Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.