Senior Materials Engineer
Today• Warren, MI
Description
The Role
The Senior Materials Engineer is responsible for developing, validating, and supporting paint shop manufacturing materials with a primary focus on Topcoat Systems . This work is performed within centralized manufacturing engineering or plant/assembly environments where creativity, initiative, and a high level of independent judgment are essential. In this role, you will collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing sites, and engineering teams to drive material innovation, ensure robust processes, and support high-quality vehicle finishes.
What You'll Do
- Partner with materials suppliers to develop, evaluate, and approve materials to applicable GM materials specifications.
- Provide technical direction to manufacturing sites and new paint shop teams on proper processes and equipment to support paint materials.
- Support development and testing of advanced process technologies and materials.
- Lead project management activities across equipment SMEs, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to execute new material launches.
- Drive development projects for new materials and applications to reduce cost, improve environmental performance, or enhance product quality.
- Plan and implement material tests and development programs to support problem-solving and technical advancement.
- Participate in the Global Technical Team to drive alignment on new technology development, materials standardization, and equipment requirements.
- Develop new materials testing procedures to validate evolving product requirements.
- Own and maintain engineering documents including material specifications, process control plan templates, PFMEA, Bill of Operations, and Bill of Materials.
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Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
- 5+ years of direct automotive coatings experience with proven expertise in materials, formulations, and application processes.
- Advanced technical knowledge of paint materials engineering, including topcoat systems, curing behavior, rheology, and material-process interactions.
- Strong understanding of paint shop manufacturing best practices, including booth operations, application equipment, quality controls, defect reduction methods, and environmental compliance.
- Working knowledge of material procedures, validation protocols, testing methods (e.g., appearance metrics, durability testing, adhesion, corrosion), and qualification requirements for production release.
- Proven project management capability with the ability to lead material development initiatives, manage timelines, coordinate suppliers/equipment SMEs, and deliver technical milestones.
- Willingness to travel to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and development locations as required to support material launches and problem resolution.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
- Master's degree (MS) in Chemistry or Engineering.
- Background in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Metallurgical Engineering.
#LI-BC1
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 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.
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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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Client-provided location(s): Warren, MI
Job ID: General_Motors-JR-202600698
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
Posted: 2026-01-28T00:18:48
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- HSA With Employer Contribution
Parental Benefits
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Adoption Leave
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Casual Dress
- Happy Hours
- On-Site Cafeteria
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K)
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Stock Purchase Program
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Learning and Development Stipend
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Woman founded/led
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
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