Technical Specialist - Instrument Panel, Floor Console and Interior Mechanism

Description

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.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities):

1. Knowledge Capture & Continuous Improvement

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

2. BOM Strategy & Technology Roadmapping

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

3. Global Technical Leadership 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

4. Design Quality & Peer Reviews

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

5. DFMEA / DRBFM Ownership

Develop and maintain DFMEA/DRBFM templates

Ensure timely updates reflecting latest learnings

Drive high-quality risk identification and mitigation

6. Safety & Compliance

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

7. Requirements & Documentation

Develop and maintain:

Statement of Requirements (SOR) templates

Sub-System Technical Specifications (SSTS)

Ensure compliance across all programs

8. Engineering Execution

Define system requirements and support engineering changes

Solve complex engineering issues using analytical/physics-based approaches

Develop templated validation/verification test plans.

9. Cross-Functional Leadership 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.

10. Technical Innovation & Industry Awareness

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.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related)

Experience Minimum 5+ years in Instrument Panel, Floor Console, or Interior Mechanisms OR Product development and/or manufacturing

Some travel to suppliers

Technical Skills 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)

Black Belt (required)

Core Competencies

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

Leadership Expectations

Demonstrates composure, approachability, and accountability

Effectively manages conflict and builds alignment

Actively networks across SMTs and global teams

Provides technical mentorship and guidance

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

Master’s Degree

Experience across multiple vehicle development cycles preferred

Sponsorship:

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

#LI-JN1

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

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We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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