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Cmf Design Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Design Quality Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$95 - $130/hr

Work closely with CMF Design and Mastering for clear "plaque-to-part" scaling. Qualifications: * 8+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree. * Candidate ...

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Cmf Design information

See Michigan salary details

$16

$41

$60

How much do cmf design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cmf design in Michigan is $41.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.75 and $49.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CMF design?

A CMF (Color, Material, and Finish) Design job focuses on defining the visual and tactile elements of a product to enhance its aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. CMF designers work closely with industrial designers, engineers, and marketing teams to select colors, materials, and surface treatments that align with brand identity and user preferences. Their role involves researching trends, sourcing materials, and ensuring manufacturability while considering sustainability and durability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the CMF design position?

To thrive as a CMF (Color, Material, Finish) Designer, you need a strong background in industrial design, material science, and color theory, often supported by a design degree or related certification. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling tools, and knowledge of material sourcing systems are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for success in this field. These skills enable you to create visually appealing and manufacturable product finishes that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by CMF designers in their daily work?

CMF Designers often encounter the challenge of balancing innovative aesthetics with practical manufacturing constraints, such as material availability, cost, and durability. They must work closely with engineering, product development, and marketing teams to ensure their designs not only look appealing but are also feasible for mass production. Tight project timelines and the need to stay current with industry trends can add to the pressure. However, overcoming these challenges is rewarding, as it results in products that stand out in the marketplace and enhance user experience.

How to get into CMF design?

To enter CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design, develop a strong understanding of design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes, often through a degree in industrial design, product design, or a related field. Building a portfolio showcasing your work with different materials and finishes, gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles, and learning industry tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software can improve your prospects.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cmf Design jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Cmf Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Cmf Design job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,543 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Creative Design Group - Industrial Design

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

$121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Research customer and cultural trends, translate insights into design proposals, and carry concepts from inception through implementation.

  • Lead CMF strategy, concept development, and execution for texture, color, materials, and soft-trim solutions.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to resolve CMF content and support program deliverables.


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 308 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.3

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.3 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,329 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

The Role

Join General Motors Design's Color, Materials and Finish (CMF) group in Warren, Michigan, where art, design and technology come together to shape the future of mobility. As a Creative Designer, you will contribute to a connected global design team developing forward-thinking, production-oriented CMF solutions across GM programs and brands. You will research customer and cultural trends, translate insights into compelling design proposals, and help carry concepts from inception through implementation. This role is an opportunity to make a visible impact through innovative, human-centered and sustainable color and material experiences.

What You'll Do
  • Lead CMF strategy, concept development and execution for texture, color, materials and soft-trim solutions that reinforce brand DNA.

  • Research global design trends, color theory, materials technology and future customer needs across a broad range of demographics.

  • Develop cohesive CMF proposals with strong command of proportion, composition and the translation of 2D ideas into 3D concepts.

  • Champion innovative, sustainable and responsible materials, coatings, finishes and processes that support GM quality and sustainability goals.

  • Collaborate with designers, sculptors, engineers and other cross-functional partners to resolve CMF content and advance program deliverables.

  • Revise, refine and track design proposals while maintaining alignment to program timing and decision milestones.

  • Prepare design documentation, presentations and prototypes that clearly communicate concepts and support implementation.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in automotive design, industrial design, product design, interior design, fashion design, textile design, architecture, graphic design or a closely related design discipline.

  • Professional experience in CMF design for automotive, product or a related industry.

  • Highly proficient 2D rendering and digital visualization skills using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or equivalent software.

  • Demonstrated understanding of 3D surface language and experience with 3D visualization or AI-enabled design tools such as VRED, Alias, Rhino, Blender, Vizcom AI or similar.

  • A portfolio demonstrating creative problem solving, design judgment, conceptual ideation, trend and inspiration boards, color palettes, material concepts, digital rendering, prototyping and translation from 2D proposals to 3D concepts.

  • Understanding of how CMF design influences user experience and the customer journey.

  • Ability to work onsite full time in Warren, Michigan.

  • Submit a portfolio with your resume and application profile; an online link may be included in your resume or application, or a PDF may be uploaded as a separate attachment named LAST NAME, FIRST NAME (for example, Smith, John.pdf).

  • Portfolio work must not be subject to a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement; work owned by a current or former employer or another third party requires express written consent before it is shared with GM.

  • Portfolio submission is required. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. Candidates must meet the required qualifications and skillsets for this position; required qualifications cannot be waived for hiring.

  • Experience leading complex CMF or design programs from concept through implementation.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Experience in automotive design or production design within a global, cross-functional organization.

  • Advanced knowledge of sustainable materials, coatings, finishes and emerging materials technologies.

  • A strong understanding of global customer and cultural trends, with the ability to connect insights to future mobility experiences.

  • Experience using AI-assisted visualization or prototyping workflows to accelerate design exploration and communication.

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.

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 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.


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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908