Materials Engineer – Global Energy, Fluids & Lubricants (GEFL)

GM • Warren, MI

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

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 A Materials Engineer – Global Energy, Fluids & Lubricants (GEFL) is responsible for the technical development, test method design, validation, approval, and issue resolution of fuels, lubricants, and functional fluids that support GM products, propulsion systems, and manufacturing operations, with a strong emphasis on test development and data analysis. This individual contributor role supports technical leadership across one or more GEFL areas, including fuels, engine and driveline lubricants, EV/EDU fluids, coolants, hydraulic fluids, washer fluids, greases, and other specialty fluids. The role works cross‑functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Validation, Service, Purchasing, suppliers, and regulatory partners to define requirements, deliver robust material and fluid solutions, and support product excellence across global programs. This role is expected to operate as a key technical contributor, building depth in assigned GEFL areas and supporting standards, validation approaches, and technical decisions within an established direction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering
• 3+ years’ experience in fuels, lubricants, fluids, tribology, chemical systems, materials engineering, powertrain, electrification, or a related technical area
• Demonstrated technical problem‑solving skills and ability to work effectively across functions
• Experience with test methods, validation processes, technical specifications, and data‑driven decision making, including hands‑on execution of tests and basic statistical data analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast‑paced product development environment, while seeking guidance appropriately
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to complex technical work with cross‑functional visibility and business impact

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in science or engineering
• 5+ years’ experience with engine oils, transmission fluids, axle fluids, coolants, EV/EDU fluids, greases, washer fluids, fuels, or additive technologies
• Experience with tribology, formulation, chemical compatibility, contamination control, durability, or failure analysis
• Experience developing and executing dyno or bench validation testing including test method design, instrumentation, and data analysis using tools such as Excel, Python, Minitab, or similar
• Knowledge of automotive standards, specifications, regulatory requirements, test development, and supplier approval processes
• Experience contributing to cross‑functional technical initiatives or acting as a key technical contributor on complex issues
• Exposure to external technical forums, standards organizations, or industry groups

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute laboratory, bench, rig, and vehicle test methods for fuels, lubricants, and functional fluids to support GM vehicles, propulsion systems, and manufacturing processes
• Contribute to defining material and fluid performance requirements, test plans, specifications, validation approaches, and approval criteria
• Analyze test data, summarize results, and provide clear recommendations to project teams and leadership
• Execute factory fill, service fill, and specialty fluid validation activities across global vehicle and propulsion programs under the guidance of senior engineers
• Participate in design reviews, issue resolution, root cause investigations, and warranty prevention activities related to fuels, lubricants, and fluids, with a focus on structured test and data‑driven approaches
• Evaluate supplier technologies, formulations, and change requests using appropriate test methods to help ensure performance, quality, cost, timing, and compliance objectives are achieved
• Partner with Engineering, Validation, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Legal, and Service teams to plan and interpret testing needed to implement robust fluid and lubricant solutions
• Help develop and maintain technical standards, test methods, best practices, and lessons learned for GEFL test programs
• Monitor industry, regulatory, and technology trends related to energy, fuels, lubricants, additives, and functional fluids and share relevant testing and validation implications with the team
• Participate in technical discussions with suppliers, industry groups, standards bodies, and external partners as a GM technical representative, with support from senior GEFL specialists

Benefits

• From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

What This Job Offers

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