Senior Application Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

Job Description

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.

We are seeking an experienced Application Engineer to lead advanced manufacturing applications for fastening and inspection across GM’s global footprint. In this role, you will own technical execution from conception through plant launch (MRL 4–7), ensuring solutions are technically sound, operationally ready, and fully integrated into plant processes.

You will work in a highly cross-functional environment, partnering with Product Engineering, R&D, ARC, Tech Experts, manufacturing plants, and suppliers to remove execution barriers, reduce risk, and deliver scalable, repeatable manufacturing solutions.

• Lead advanced fastening and inspection applications aligned with program, plant, and business objectives.
• Own and maintain Scope of Development Work (SODW) for fastening and inspection across program phases.
• Support and participate in MRL 4–7 gate reviews, driving technical readiness and compliance with GM standards.
• Serve as PET technical lead or core contributor, coordinating across engineering, plants, and suppliers.
• Develop and validate plant process use cases (layouts, simulations) tied back to SODW.
• Integrate solutions, timing, and resource needs into the Manufacturing Planning Study (MPS).
• Benchmark off‑the‑shelf solutions and engage strategic suppliers for capability, cost, and scalability.
• Collaborate with fastening and inspection SMEs to define requirements, review concepts, and validate solutions.
• Support launch execution from development through plant implementation, including builds, trials, and ramp‑up.
• Develop and maintain technical cost and timing inputs to support resource planning.
• Support and influence Design for Automation (DFA) early in the product development cycle.
• Capture and deploy lessons learned from development, launches, and plant operations.
• Clearly communicate technical status, risks, readiness, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with a strong focus on manufacturing engineering in assembly or powertrain.
• Hands‑on experience with fastening or inspection systems (e.g., torque tools, vision systems).
• Strong technical communication skills for diverse technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently, own complex technical problems, and deliver results through disciplined execution.

• Deep manufacturing engineering process knowledge.
• Automotive industry experience.
• Experience supporting launches, working with suppliers, and executing technical strategy.
• Ability to operate effectively in cross‑functional, global, and high‑pressure environments.
• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant technical discipline.

GM does not provide immigration‑related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This role is categorized as onsite, meaning the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full‑time basis. The selected candidate will be required to travel less than 25% for this role. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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.

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please email us or call us at 1‑800‑865‑7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.