Lead/Studio Design Engineer

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 Lead/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.

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 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 & Abilities (Required Qualifications): Lead Studio Design Engineer

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or other relevant degree

• 5+ years’ experience in a related area
• Strong understanding of engineering theory and automotive design principles
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to integrate complex systems with a strong passion for design
• Advanced analytical skills for solving unusual or difficult problems
• Effective interpersonal skills for cross‑functional teamwork
• Familiarity with automotive manufacturing processes
• Proficiency in CAD, specifically Unigraphics
• Working knowledge of engineering specifications

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications): Studio Design Engineer

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or other relevant degree

• 2+ years’ experience in a related area
• Strong understanding of engineering theory and automotive design principles
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to integrate complex systems with a strong passion for design
• Advanced analytical skills for solving unusual or difficult problems
• Effective interpersonal skills for cross‑functional teamwork
• Familiarity with automotive manufacturing processes
• Proficiency in CAD, specifically Unigraphics
• Working knowledge of engineering specifications

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Coursework or experience in statistics, mechanics of materials, vehicle and occupant packaging, or integrated design.
• DFSS Certification - Black Belt

#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 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 may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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

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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.

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