Design and Release Engineering- Fastening

General Motors•Warren, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role supports the design, selection, and validation of mechanical fasteners and bolted joints used in vehicle systems. The engineer ensures joints are robust, cost-effective, and manufacturable, while meeting safety, durability, and quality requirements. The engineer collaborates closely with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Fastener Suppliers to apply GM global fastening standards and best practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a closely related field.
Fundamental understanding of mechanics of materials (stress/strain, fatigue, preload, friction) and basic machine design.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and basic CAD models.
Good analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable with engineering calculations and use of engineering calculation tools.
Strong communication skills to work with cross-functional teams (Design, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, Plants).
Willingness to learn GM fastening standards, tools, and procedures and apply them consistently.

Nice To Haves

Co-op, internship, or project experience involving bolted joints or torque tightening assembly processes.
Familiarity with fastener standards (e.g., metric property classes, strength tables, torque-tension principles).
Exposure to manufacturing environments utilizing mechanical fasteners (vehicle assembly, body shop, powertrain, or component plants).
Experience using basic analysis tools or calculators for torque-tension or joint design (even academic).

Responsibilities

Support the design and analysis of threaded and non-threaded joints (bolts, nuts, retainers, studs, washers, etc.) for assigned vehicle components and systems.
Assist in fastener selection using fastener catalogs, engineering standards, and part classification tools.
Run basic joint calculations (e.g., clamp load, torque, joint slip, thread engagement, strength checks) using standard GM calculators and methods.
Help develop and maintain fastener tightening specifications in alignment with fastening standards.
Support design reviews to ensure proper accessibility, serviceability, and manufacturing feasibility of joints.
Collaborate with Manufacturing/Plant teams and Tooling/Equipment engineers to ensure fastening processes can be implemented reliably in the plant.
Assist with correlation and validation activities, including torque-tension testing, joint audits, and plant torque correlation studies.
Document lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of fastening standards, guidelines, and checklists.
Participate in issue resolution activities related to fastener failures, loosening, warranty concerns, or assembly problems, supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Maintain accurate records of fastener data, torque specs, joint calculations, and change history in the appropriate systems.