Technical Specialist - Instrument Panel, Floor Console and Interior Mechanism

Job Description

This role is categorized as hybrid. The selected candidate will be expected to work on-site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week, or as otherwise determined by the hiring leader.

• This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

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.

The Role:

The Technical Specialist (TS) serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for IP, Floor Consoles and Interior Mechanisms, owning the technical direction, strategy, and execution of a defined BOM row within the vehicle system. This role is responsible for global technical leadership, including design strategy, DFMEA ownership, safety engagement, and development of innovative, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions. The TS operates with a high degree of independence, influencing cross-functional teams and guiding engineering decisions across programs. This role is to balance the workload between existing TS within current landscape, increase impact of IP and Floor Console development and grow the DRE knowledge set.  

What You'll Do (Responsibilities):

1. Knowledge Capture & Continuous Improvement

• Capture, document, and globally disseminate lessons learned across programs

• Conduct benchmarking (cost, quality, innovation, mass, and technical performance)

• Support field actions analysis and facilitate global closed-loop learning

• Lead value stream mapping and apply DFSS principles

• Execute global read-across to prevent recurrence of issues

2. BOM Strategy & Technology Roadmapping

• Define and maintain Best Value BOM row strategy and roadmap

• Identify technology gaps and recommend innovation initiatives

• Own UPC/FNA and define CCC strategy, budget, and sourcing approach

• Support/approve Design Direction Reviews (DDR)

• Lead complexity optimization and ensure alignment to program targets

3. Global Technical Leadership Establish and communicate global technical direction for:

• Instrument Panels

• Floor consoles

• Interior mechanisms (latches, push-push doors, etc.)

• Drive standardization across global regions

• Lead Tech Core meetings and technical forums

• Publish and maintain best practices

• Maintain GMW specifications and lead DFSS projects

• Support engineering material (EM) specification development
   

4. Design Quality & Peer Reviews

• Lead peer reviews ensuring quality and on-time execution

• Identify and resolve non-conformances

• Drive issue escalation and closure

• Develop and refine robust design best practices

5. DFMEA / DRBFM Ownership

• Develop and maintain DFMEA/DRBFM templates

• Ensure timely updates reflecting latest learnings

• Drive high-quality risk identification and mitigation

6. Safety & Compliance

• Lead BOM row safety and compliance activities

• Support field investigations and product safety processes

• Author/co-author Prevent Repeat Defects (PRDs)

• Conduct read-across across platforms per *S PRTS process

7. Requirements & Documentation

• Develop and maintain:

• Statement of Requirements (SOR) templates

• Sub-System Technical Specifications (SSTS)

• Ensure compliance across all programs

8. Engineering Execution

• Define system requirements and support engineering changes

• Solve complex engineering issues using analytical/physics-based approaches

• Develop templated validation/verification test plans. 

9. Cross-Functional Leadership Collaborate with: Engineering teams

Studio, Suppliers, Manufacturing / Plant, Purchasing & Supplier Quality

• Support cost reduction, product improvements, and build events

• Provide technical guidance to DREs and engineering teams

• Coordinate with TSs, ETLs, Staff Leads, BAMs, across Interior and other SMT’s within GVHE. 

10. Technical Innovation & Industry Awareness

• Stay current on emerging technologies and competitive products

• Lead or support advanced technology development initiatives

• Expand and grow internal capabilities.

• Influence future cockpit integration and manufacturing capabilities.

• Develop vision for future autonomous vehicles interiors.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related)

• Experience Minimum 5+ years in Instrument Panel, Floor Console, or Interior Mechanisms OR Product development and/or manufacturing

• Some travel to suppliers

Technical Skills Strong understanding of:

• Mechanical and electromechanical systems

• Interior mechanism design (latches, hinges, push systems, etc.)

• Vehicle integration and system interactions

• Manufacturing processes and materials (plastics, metals, assemblies)

DFSS Certification:

• Green Belt (required)

• Black Belt (required)

Core Competencies

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong communication (written & verbal) • Ability to influence and lead without authority

• High level of collaboration and interpersonal effectiveness • Sound engineering judgment in complex/unstructured situations

Leadership Expectations

• Demonstrates composure, approachability, and accountability

• Effectively manages conflict and builds alignment

• Actively networks across SMTs and global teams

• Provides technical mentorship and guidance

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• Master’s Degree

• Experience across multiple vehicle development cycles preferred

Sponsorship:

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., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

#LI-JN1

&#xa;&#xa;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).&#xa;&#xa;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}.&#xa;&#xa;The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.&#xa;&#xa;This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.&#xa;&#xa;

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