Research Engineer

General Motors•Warren, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

At General Motors, product teams use a human-centered design process to create vehicles and experiences, advancing hardware, battery systems, intuitive design, intelligent software, safety, and entertainment features. The Research Engineer supports research and development through hands-on laboratory testing, experimental procedures, equipment maintenance, materials characterization, and technical documentation. The role requires safe laboratory and machine-shop practices and collaboration with engineering and research teams. It 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Hands-on R&D laboratory experience.
Three to five years of experience.
Experience with tensile testing, hardness testing, mechanical property evaluation, and data-driven problem solving in a fast-changing test environment.
Working knowledge of joining equipment and machine-shop equipment.
Strong analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to solve unusual or difficult problems and manage multiple workflows simultaneously.
Ability to interpret technical data and communicate findings clearly, orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, understand functional requirements, and implement appropriate solutions.
Ability to adapt to ambiguity and change while maintaining a strong commitment to safe operating practices.
Interest in staying current with new technologies and competitive products.
Must not require GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Seven or more years of relevant experience.
High-volume manufacturing experience.
Experience supporting R&D, prototype builds, or production-oriented joining development.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment while following safety protocols and compliance requirements.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate laboratory instruments, equipment, fixtures, and experimental setups to ensure accurate, repeatable, and safe performance.
Support continuous improvement of laboratory equipment and quality-monitoring systems.
Extract test specimens and prepare, mount, grind, and polish metallurgical samples for microscopic and analytical evaluation.
Perform microstructural characterization, hardness testing, tensile testing, resistance measurements, and other mechanical evaluations.
Develop, execute, and document experimental procedures to support process development, optimization, and validation.
Document results, maintain accurate records, and provide technical insights to engineering and research teams.
Operate general machine-shop and material-fabrication tools in accordance with safe operating procedures.