2026 Fall Intern - Research & Development

General Motors•Warren, MI

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

GM is seeking R&D Interns to craft, design, and develop groundbreaking concepts and technologies that will help shape the future of mobility. In this internship, you will plan and execute collaborative research across advanced engineering, systems optimization, autonomy, safety, manufacturing, and power electronics. Projects may include component analysis and application of AI tools, systems optimization and use of agentic systems, evaluation of multi-modal command recognition approaches for off-road autonomy, comparison of human body models for injury severity prediction, and development of next-generation electrical power devices and switching technologies. You will work with technical leaders across GM Research and Development to explore innovative approaches that combine engineering fundamentals with AI, modeling, simulation, controls, robotics, and advanced electronics. Our culture of innovation gives you the opportunity to contribute to impactful research, support development of advanced technical solutions, and help shape future vehicle, mobility, and engineering capabilities.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship required to comply with federal government contract provision expressly restricting role to U.S. citizens
Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program
Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related science/engineering field
Strong foundation in at least one of the following areas: engineering analysis, AI/ML, optimization, robotics, simulation, controls, injury biomechanics, electric machines and drives, or power electronics
Programming, modeling, or simulation experience using relevant engineering or data analysis tools
Ability to work both independently and in teams
Consistently demonstrate critical thinking and strong teamwork
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Excellent persuasion, active listening, delegation, and leadership skills to work effectively with GM internal and external customers

Nice To Haves

Prior research, internship, or project experience in CAE, structural optimization, engineering mechanics, systems engineering, autonomy, robotics, safety modeling, injury biomechanics, semiconductor devices, controls, electric machines and drives, or power electronics
Experience applying AI/ML, optimization, or agentic systems to engineering or operational problems
Familiarity with testing, validation, benchmarking, or evaluation of multi-modal perception or command recognition systems
Experience with simulation, modeling, or comparison of human body models or injury prediction methods
Background and experience in AI assisted topological optimization of electric machines
Exposure to wide bandgap semiconductors, GaN devices, switching technologies, or advanced electrical power systems
Demonstrated ability to translate technical findings into clear recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences
Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills to effectively collaborate with varying levels of the organization as needed
Demonstrates leadership in field of study, extra-curricular activities, or service organizations
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, especially the ability to synthesize large amounts of data involving multiple variables into comprehensive, impactful insights
Willingness to ask questions, take initiative, and be inventive
Emerging partnership and teamwork skills and ability to learn from and share knowledge with co-workers in a rapidly moving environment
High level of integrity, ability to deal with ambiguity, and takes initiative/self-directed
Evidence of strong character with integrity, honesty, accountability, and trust

Responsibilities

Conduct research and/or experiments to collect required data and validate research ideas
Apply engineering, computational, and AI-based methods to challenging research problems across multiple technical domains
Develop AI/ML models and algorithms for simulation tools and workflows supporting component analysis, structural optimization, systems optimization, autonomous vehicles, injury prediction, or power electronics research.
Analyze and compare technical approaches, methods, or system architectures and provide data-driven recommendations
Develop reproducible test protocols, validation plans, or benchmarking approaches for research activities as needed
Document and present results; depending on the assignment, work may lead to external publications and/or intellectual property
Develop and execute specific research plans, including concept generation, development, implementation, and validation
Collaborate effectively with peers, management, operations groups, and outside organizations