Technical Specialist - Instrument Panel, Floor Console and Interior Mechanism

GM•Warren, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is categorized as hybrid. The selected candidate will be expected to work on-site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week, or as otherwise determined by the hiring leader. This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. 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: The Technical Specialist (TS) serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for IP, Floor Consoles and Interior Mechanisms, owning the technical direction, strategy, and execution of a defined BOM row within the vehicle system. This role is responsible for global technical leadership, including design strategy, DFMEA ownership, safety engagement, and development of innovative, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions. The TS operates with a high degree of independence, influencing cross-functional teams and guiding engineering decisions across programs. This role is to balance the workload between existing TS within current landscape, increase impact of IP and Floor Console development and grow the DRE knowledge set.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related)
Minimum 5+ years in Instrument Panel, Floor Console, or Interior Mechanisms OR Product development and/or manufacturing
Some travel to suppliers
Strong understanding of: Mechanical and electromechanical systems, Interior mechanism design (latches, hinges, push systems, etc.), Vehicle integration and system interactions, Manufacturing processes and materials (plastics, metals, assemblies)
DFSS Certification: Green Belt (required)
DFSS Certification: Black Belt (required)
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong communication (written & verbal)
Ability to influence and lead without authority
High level of collaboration and interpersonal effectiveness
Sound engineering judgment in complex/unstructured situations
Demonstrates composure, approachability, and accountability
Effectively manages conflict and builds alignment
Actively networks across SMTs and global teams
Provides technical mentorship and guidance

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree
Experience across multiple vehicle development cycles preferred

Responsibilities

Capture, document, and globally disseminate lessons learned across programs
Conduct benchmarking (cost, quality, innovation, mass, and technical performance)
Support field actions analysis and facilitate global closed-loop learning
Lead value stream mapping and apply DFSS principles
Execute global read-across to prevent recurrence of issues
Define and maintain Best Value BOM row strategy and roadmap
Identify technology gaps and recommend innovation initiatives
Own UPC/FNA and define CCC strategy, budget, and sourcing approach
Support/approve Design Direction Reviews (DDR)
Lead complexity optimization and ensure alignment to program targets
Establish and communicate global technical direction for: Instrument Panels, Floor consoles, Interior mechanisms (latches, push-push doors, etc.)
Drive standardization across global regions
Lead Tech Core meetings and technical forums
Publish and maintain best practices
Maintain GMW specifications and lead DFSS projects
Support engineering material (EM) specification development
Lead peer reviews ensuring quality and on-time execution
Identify and resolve non-conformances
Drive issue escalation and closure
Develop and refine robust design best practices
Develop and maintain DFMEA/DRBFM templates
Ensure timely updates reflecting latest learnings
Drive high-quality risk identification and mitigation
Lead BOM row safety and compliance activities
Support field investigations and product safety processes
Author/co-author Prevent Repeat Defects (PRDs)
Conduct read-across across platforms per S PRTS process
Develop and maintain: Statement of Requirements (SOR) templates, Sub-System Technical Specifications (SSTS)
Ensure compliance across all programs
Define system requirements and support engineering changes
Solve complex engineering issues using analytical/physics-based approaches
Develop templated validation/verification test plans.
Collaborate with: Engineering teams, Studio, Suppliers, Manufacturing / Plant, Purchasing & Supplier Quality
Support cost reduction, product improvements, and build events
Provide technical guidance to DREs and engineering teams
Coordinate with TSs, ETLs, Staff Leads, BAMs, across Interior and other SMT’s within GVHE.
Stay current on emerging technologies and competitive products
Lead or support advanced technology development initiatives
Expand and grow internal capabilities.
Influence future cockpit integration and manufacturing capabilities.
Develop vision for future autonomous vehicles interiors.