Research Engineer

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

Job Description Key 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.

Required 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven or more years of relevant experience.


• High volume manufacturing experience.


• Experience supporting R&D, prototype builds, or production-oriented joining development.

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}.

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