Studio Design Engineer

General Motors; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

GM vehicle discounts

Job summary

General Motors Company in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Studio Design Engineer to balance vehicle models with design, architecture, and manufacturing. You will integrate advanced technology with creative design, using NX for surface guidance and clay models to bring concepts to life.

The role demands a BS in engineering, 5+ years in automotive design, strong communication, and the ability to work independently within a cross‑functional team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of automotive engineering experience.
• Strong communication and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Create and balance vehicle models with design and architecture teams.
• Develop NX surface models and packaging considerations.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and document outcomes.
• Apply DFSS methodologies to robust design development.
• Benchmark competition to ensure competitive packaging.

Skills

CAD Unigraphics

Engineering analysis

Vehicle packaging

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

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

Do you enjoy creating unique and highly technical engineering solutions to address unusual challenges? Are you curious about how a vehicle design develops into reality, where it all begins? The Studio Design Engineer is responsible for integrating and balancing vehicle models with Design in partnership with Architecture, SMT, Performance, Human Factors and Manufacturing. We are at the very early stages of the vehicle development process working at a systems level to integrate innovative technology and cutting‑edge design. The optimal candidate has a passion for the automotive industry and can work objectively to balance the vehicle for the customer while working hard to enable design. A considerable amount of creativity and initiative are involved as well as a high level of independent judgment.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

• Create, refine and finalize engineering criteria and work collaboratively with creative design
• Lead the creation of unique and highly‑integrated technical engineering solutions to resolve packaging issues while protecting the design aesthetic utilizing physical and math models.
• Utilize DFSS methodologies to ensure robust design development trade‑off management to study alternatives while considering impacts such as cost, mass, timing, design for assembly, dimensional variation and other program imperatives
• Integrate regional/global requirements and develop alternatives to satisfy regional/brand needs
• Actively communicate with team members to understand and resolve challenges and complexities within the Expert Team meeting for your area of responsibility
• Ensure that packaging and Studio model are balanced with customer facing targets (Spaciousness, Visibility, Occupant accommodation, Storage/SALT, Cargo, Access)
• Lead cross-functional surface & integration meetings including CITs and Surface Workgroups
• Lead issue resolution and escalation for your area of responsibility - drive prompt resolution
• Support technical development of design surface in both digital and full size/scale clay models as well as clinic properties and VR/MR mockups
• Benchmark the competition and ensure that the integrated package is competitive (section size, clearances, component locations, component size, functional performance, etc.)
• Develop meeting agendas and publish minutes
• Create NX models for surface guidance
• Develop and maintain NX skills
• Incorporate the Voice of the Customer in package design
• Develop space claims and package solutions to meet customer needs while maximizing the utilization of space
• Support Math Virtual Assessments & Synch Point reviews

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or other relevant degree
• 5+ years' experience in a related area
• Understanding of engineering theory and principles of automotive design
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others
• Aptitude to integrate complex systems and a passion for design
• High level of analytical ability where problems are unusual or difficult
• High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes
• Demonstrated skills on CAD - Unigraphics systems
• Basic understanding of Engineering Specifications

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Coursework or experience in Statistics, Mechanics of materials, Vehicle/occupant packaging, or Integrated Design
• DFSS Certification - Black Belt

Compensation:

The expected base compensation for this role is $106,600- $192,700 USD Annually. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position. Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits:

GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

#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 imm