Materials Research Engineer - Lab R&D & Testing

General Motors LLC; United States; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors LLC is seeking a laboratory engineer to advance metallurgical testing and process development in a hybrid environment. You will maintain, calibrate instruments, prepare samples, and document results to support engineering teams.

The role requires hands-on R&D laboratory experience, 3–5 years in a fast-changing test setting, and strong analytical skills to interpret data and drive improvements. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on R&D laboratory experience.
• 3-5 years’ experience.
• Experience with tensile testing, hardness testing, mechanical property evaluation, and data-driven problem solving in a fast-changing test environment.
• Working knowledge of joining equipment and machine shop equipment.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to solve unusual or difficult problems and manage multiple workflows simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret technical data and communicate findings clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, understand functional requirements, and implement appropriate solutions.
• Ability to adapt to ambiguity and change while maintaining a strong commitment to safe operating practices.
• Interest in staying current with new technologies and competitive products.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment while following all safety protocols and compliance requirements.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate laboratory instruments, equipment, fixtures, and experimental setups to ensure accurate, repeatable, and safe performance; support continuous improvement of laboratory equipment and quality-monitoring systems.
• Extract test specimens and prepare, mount, grind, and polish metallurgical samples for microscopic and analytical evaluation.
• Perform microstructural characterization, hardness testing, tensile testing, resistance measurements, and other mechanical evaluations.
• Develop, execute, and document experimental procedures to support process development, optimization, and validation.
• Document results, maintain accurate records, and provide technical insights to engineering and research teams.
• Operate general machine shop and material-fabrication tools in accordance with safe operating procedures.

Skills

Hands-on R&D laboratory experience

3–5 years experience

Tensile testing

Hardness testing

Data-driven problem solving

Joining equipment

Machine shop equipment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Machine shop equipment

Joining equipment

Job description

General Motors LLC is seeking a laboratory engineer to advance metallurgical testing and process development in a hybrid environment. You will maintain, calibrate instruments, prepare samples, and document results to support engineering teams.

The role requires hands-on R&D laboratory experience, 3–5 years in a fast-changing test setting, and strong analytical skills to interpret data and drive improvements. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is essential.