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

• Your new bullet here, from our Friday discussion. I would like to add a comment here about leading crossfunctional meetings with regular touchpoints with upper-level leadership.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.