Fastening Process Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Description

The Role

As the Technical Specialist – Fastening Systems, you will define, lead, and advance fastening processes and requirements across General Assembly operations. You will serve as the technical authority for fastening methods, tooling technologies, process standards, and lab‑based validation—ensuring GM’s manufacturing systems remain robust, compliant, and technologically competitive. In this enterprise‑level role, you will translate engineering requirements into scalable plant‑floor solutions, validate emerging fastening technologies, resolve complex torque‑related issues, and maintain globally aligned fastening standards that support quality, throughput, and launch readiness.

What You’ll Do

Benchmark, assess, and validate innovative fastening technologies—such as torque repair systems, DC pulse tools, and cloud based analytics—and industrialize these solutions for deployment across GM Assembly plants.

Maintain and update fastening standards, torque requirements, and process documentation to ensure compliance with global manufacturing requirements.

Lead enterprise fastening integration efforts, driving standardization across General Assembly, Body Shop, GPS, RESS, and supporting organizations.

Oversee torque‑related training, advanced troubleshooting instruction, and technical development for plant teams and other SMEs. Occasional travel may be required.

Operate and manage the GM fastening lab, including validation of new equipment, firmware, and fastening system performance.

Develop and maintain controller programming files (e.g., hybrid fieldbus files) and manage firmware deployments across NA and global sites.

Support pre‑production builds, fastening readiness for new vehicle programs (MQRRs), and Torque Compliance Reviews (TCRs).

Provide technical leadership for GRA investigations, PRTSs/PRDs, and field‑action assessments related to fastening quality issues.

Lead technical collaboration with tooling suppliers, administering long‑term tooling strategies, validation plans, and license management.

Maintain torque‑related SharePoint resources, ensuring up‑to‑date training materials, programming guidance, and standardized work templates.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

3+ years of experience in manufacturing plant environments supporting fastening processes, torque tooling deployment, or assembly operations.

Strong technical expertise in fastening systems, including DC tools, torque tooling, joint design, and process controls.

Proven ability to perform data‑driven root‑cause analysis using fastening traces, controller analytics, and structured problem‑solving methods.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (technical discipline preferred).

Self‑starter with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills, capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills , including the ability to clearly translate technical content for diverse audiences.

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Advanced expertise in fastening systems, torque‑critical applications, and related manufacturing technologies.

Experience with machine control systems, including automation controllers and PLC interfaces.

Ability to provide technical leadership, coaching, and direction to other SMEs and cross‑functional partners.

Demonstrated project management capability, including mentoring and developing others.

3–5 years of technical experience in manufacturing plant environments.

Experience with tooling and tooling design for fastening and torque‑critical joints.

Hands‑on validation experience with fastening tools and systems, including firmware qualification, capability studies, and lab‑based testing.

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}.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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.

Total Rewards | Benefits Overview

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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

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.

Accommodations

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