Mechanical & Thermal Engineering Lab Technician

General Motors; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Mechanical & Thermal Engineering Technician to support development, testing, and validation of in-house electronics designs and next-generation vehicle technologies.

The role involves test setup, instrumentation, data collection, and execution of mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests of electronic modules and components, collaborating with Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical teams to ensure high-quality, repeatable results.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering/electronics/thermal/validation lab experience.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and test procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and basic MS Office.
• Strong attention to detail and safety.
• Associate degree or technical certification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Set up mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests on modules, PCs and enclosures.
• Install and configure sensors and instrumentation for data collection.
• Operate lab equipment including environmental chambers, shakers, and DAQ systems.
• Document test observations and contribute to test reports.
• Maintain a safe and clean laboratory environment and manage test inventory.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety focus

Strong communication

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

Tools

Thermocouples

Strain gauges

Accelerometers

DAQ systems

Environmental chambers

Job description

Job Description

About the Team

Compute & Connectivity Hardware (CCH) is part of GM’s Vehicle Software & Electronics Engineering (VSEE) organization within Software & Services Engineering. Our team develops the hardware foundation that powers GM’s software-defined vehicles, including compute platforms, connectivity systems, networking architectures, displays, and other electronic technologies that enable infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle controls, and connected customer experiences.

From concept through production, CCH engineers drive architecture, requirements development, electronics design, hardware integration, validation, launch, and in-market performance. We partner closely with software, systems, cybersecurity, functional safety, manufacturing, suppliers, and vehicle engineering teams to deliver reliable, scalable hardware solutions across GM’s global vehicle portfolio.

About the Role

We are seeking a Mechanical & Thermal Engineering Technician to support the development, testing, and validation of in-house electronics designs (IHED) and next-generation vehicle technologies. This hands‑on role is responsible for test set­up, instrumentation, data collection, and execution of mechanical, thermal, and environmental testing of electronic modules and components.

The successful candidate will work closely with Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Engineering teams to execute test plans with high quality and repeatability, enabling data‑driven engineering decisions and product validation.

Key Responsibilities

Test Setup & Execution

• Prepare and execute mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests on electronic modules, PCBs, and enclosures, including thermal characterization, vibration, mechanical shock, thermal cycling, and thermal shock testing.
• Set up fixtures, mounting hardware, and test configurations according to engineering requirements, drawings, and test procedures.
• Operate laboratory equipment including environmental chambers, vibration shakers, thermal chambers, wind tunnels, power supplies, and data acquisition systems.
• Perform pre-test and post-test functional verification and document test observations, issues, or anomalies.

Instrumentation & Data Acquisition

• Install and configure thermocouples, strain gauges, accelerometers, displacement sensors, and other instrumentation.
• Route and secure wiring and sensor connections to ensure reliable data collection and test integrity.
• Monitor and record temperature, strain, acceleration, and other performance metrics using data acquisition systems.
• Support calibration activities and verify instrumentation compliance with laboratory standards and procedures.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Capture, organize, and maintain test data, photographs, setup documentation, and supporting records.
• Conduct basic data validation and trend analysis to identify anomalies and summarize findings for engineering teams.
• Assist in the creation of standardized test reports by compiling data, observations, and test results.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment in accordance with GM safety requirements and established 5S practices.
• Support equipment maintenance, calibration coordination, troubleshooting, and readiness activities.
• Manage inventory of test fixtures, tooling, instrumentation, and consumable materials.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on testing efficiency, documentation quality, and workflow optimization.

Collaboration

• Partner with Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Engineers to understand test objectives, requirements, and constraints.
• Communicate test progress, risks, and technical issues in a timely manner.
• Participate in test planning reviews, readiness assessments, and engineering discussions.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Technology.
• 5+ years of experience in an engineering, electronics, thermal, or validation lab.
• Experience with thermal, environmental, vibration, and shock testing.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and test procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and safety focus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automotive electronics, PCBs, or electronic control modules.
• Hands‑on experience with thermocouples, strain gauges, accelerometers, and DAQ systems.
• Familiarity with thermal management and validation testing.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, or similar product development environments.
• Strong communication, troubleshooting, and multitasking skills.

Work Location

This position is primarily on‑site and requires regular presence within the Mechanical & Thermal Engineering Laboratory to support hardware preparation, test execution, equipment operation, and hands‑on engineering validation activities.

#LI-JK3

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 onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full‑time basis.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

We 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 Overview

From 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.

Accommodations

General 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.