Global Paint & Materials Engineering Manager

General Motors • Warren, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At General Motors, the Global Paint & Materials Engineering Manager leads the engineering organization responsible for developing, validating, deploying, and managing the lifecycle of paint, coatings, and sealing materials across GM’s global manufacturing network. The role influences vehicle appearance, quality, durability, manufacturing performance, and cost competitiveness. It partners with Design, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Operations, and suppliers to develop material solutions that support new technologies and manufacturing excellence. As a people leader, the manager sets technical direction, develops organizational capability, and fosters innovation, collaboration, and accountability in vehicle finishing technologies.

The position is categorized as hybrid. The selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least three times a week, or at another frequency set by their manager. Travel of less than 25% is required. Relocation benefits are available to candidates who qualify under company policy. GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role.

Requirements

• Experience with automotive paint shop operations, coatings, sealing systems, or related material technologies.
• Experience leading technical teams in manufacturing, materials engineering, coatings, paint systems, or related engineering environments.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing engineering talent, including performance management, organizational planning, and workforce development.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving engineering, manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and business stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to navigate complex technical and operational challenges.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations in a production environment.
• Proven ability to influence and communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Must not require GM immigration-related sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading global engineering teams or multi-region technical initiatives.
• Knowledge of paint shop automation, manufacturing processes, and process control systems.
• Experience supporting vehicle launches, manufacturing start-ups, or major production implementations.
• Technical program or portfolio management experience.
• Red X, DFSS, Lean Manufacturing, or equivalent continuous improvement certifications.
• Experience working across Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, and Design organizations.
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global engineering team responsible for paint, coatings, and sealing material technologies used throughout GM manufacturing operations.
• Define and execute materials strategies supporting vehicle quality, design intent, manufacturing performance, sustainability objectives, and cost competitiveness.
• Establish and maintain material specifications, engineering standards, approval processes, and process control strategies.
• Lead evaluation, validation, approval, and implementation of new materials, technologies, and supplier solutions.
• Partner with Design, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations on new vehicle programs and manufacturing initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships while driving innovation, performance, and competitive sourcing opportunities.
• Provide leadership and technical direction during vehicle launches, production changes, and complex manufacturing or quality investigations.
• Lead annual color program execution to achieve design intent, durability, manufacturability, and customer expectations.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of material-related quality concerns across manufacturing operations.
• Lead global collaboration to standardize best practices, share technical expertise, and advance engineering excellence across regions.
• Develop organizational capability through talent planning, coaching, succession planning, and workforce strategy.

Benefits

• Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.
• GM provides well-being support at work and at home through its Total Rewards resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager