Lab Group Manager - Structural Systems and Processes

Description

Who We Are

Materials and Manufacturing Systems Research drives the future of manufacturing and materials for GM leveraging deep expertise in Automation, Robotics, Process Optimization, Materials Science, and Materials Processing.

Key areas of research include:

• Automation including robotics and automated systems
• Smart Factory developing communication, optimization, and systems.
• Joining and Inspection - novel joining technologies and methods of quality inspections.
• Structural Systems and Processes - developing metallic structural vehicle solutions and the processes required to make them.
• Composite Systems and Processing - Developing composite materials and processes
• Functional Materials and Surfaces - surface science, interfaces, novel materials
• Alloys and Processes - Alloy development for aluminum and magnesium

Who You Are

As the leader of Structural Systems and Processes Group in the Materials and Manufacturing Systems Research Lab, you will manage researchers in the group, overseeing the planning and execution of research in various areas within the materials and structures domain with a focus on metallic structural solutions.

Your immediate task will be to lead and manage innovation focused on the domains above in the following aspects:

(1) Body and Chassis vehicle structures

(2) Materials development for wrought and cast vehicle structures.

(3) Metal forming processes including stamping and casting.

You will lead the group to publish research findings in peer-reviewed conferences and journals. You will also network effectively across the supply base, academia, research institutes, startup companies, and other advanced technology laboratories to create a partnership network to leverage investments and accelerate GM internal efforts.

What You Do

• Manage activities of researchers, including setting objectives, managing results, evaluating individual performance, coaching/mentoring, and career planning for a positive engagement
• Support and encourage corporate initiatives of diversity, employee enthusiasm and culture change (Workplace of Choice)
• Recruit talent and grow and diversify personal skills and proficiency base
• Engage the team to accomplish projects with high quality, high impact, and fast delivery
• Celebrate wins and seek recognition internally and externally for accomplishments of team members
• Lead corporate technology needs and chart overall strategy through active collaboration with stakeholders across the GM enterprise
• Provide technology leadership in Structural Systems and Processes and develop strategic roadmaps in collaboration with key stakeholders
• Develop and execute R&D project portfolio and cross-lab research programs that provide actionable options to address GM needs
• Optimize internal and external capability to execute the project portfolio including leveraged funding (including academia, government labs, supplier, and other external collaborations)
• Drive innovation and documentation of research developments through records of invention, internal reports, and external publications
• Support development of research strategy and technology roadmaps
• Supervise prototype implementation activities in benches and vehicles
• Scout and evaluate innovative technologies for the specified research areas
• Effectively communicate results and progress in written and oral form
• Document results of individual and team efforts for internal and external publications or patents
• Procure and manage any required external engineering services support
• Develop a global network with key universities, government labs, and industrial labs to access the world's best technology
• Lead cross-functional discussion, leadership reviews and communicate results and progress across the organization
• Grow and diversify personal skills and proficiency base
• Consistently demonstrate critical thinking and strong collaboration
• Be a champion for safety in the workplace

What You Need

• The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).
• PhD or multiple advanced degrees in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or Mechanical Engineering, plus 5+ years of people leadership/team leadership experience
• Outstanding verbal communication skills.
• Track record of research or technology implementation
• Experience as technical leader & individual contributor
• Strong, charismatic, leader with excellent people skills
• Research and development project planning/management/budget responsibility
• Ability to execute multiple projects spanning different technical areas in parallel
• Demonstrated ability to break through barriers to execute plans
• Multidisciplinary engineering skill set

What Would Be Even Better

• PhD or multiple advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, plus 5+ years of people leadership/team leadership experience
• Experience in Propulsion, Battery, & Thermal Systems (ICEs, EVs)
• Experience as a people leader
• Strong business acumen
• Demonstrated performance in a position requiring both high creativity and engineering technical excellence
• Strong evidence of career performance excellence in positions of ever-increasing levels of responsibility, challenge, and leadership

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

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

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

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, email us [email protected] or call us at 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.

Client-provided location(s): Warren, MI

Job ID: General_Motors-JR-202523411

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-02-07T00:07:42