Entry Level Industrial Designer Jobs in Michigan

Job Description

We are seeking an entry-level Wheel Designer to join the Wheel Design team at General Motors. This role focuses on the creation of innovative wheel designs that reinforce GM's brand character (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC/Hummer) and support the proportion, stance, and performance of our vehicles. You will work closely with exterior design, digital modeling, Color & Material, and engineering partners to take ideas from early sketches through digital models and production-feasible solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate high-quality wheel concept sketches that explore proportion, spoke architecture, surfacing, and detailing.
• Develop refined digital renderings using Adobe Photoshop to communicate design intent, color/finish, and material breakup.
• Integrate AI-assisted tools (e.g., generative image/model workflows) into your process for rapid ideation, variation studies, and visualization while maintaining a clear, original design point of view.
• Collaborate with exterior designers, digital modelers, and colors & materials teams to align wheel designs with overall vehicle vision.
• Prepare clear presentations of design work for design reviews, including sketches, digital renders, and 3D views.
• Support the transition from concept to production by refining designs in response to engineering, aerodynamics, brake-cooling, and manufacturing feedback.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or in final year of study) in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or a closely related field, or equivalent portfolio-based experience.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating:
  • Advanced hand sketching and quick ideation skills.
  • Photoreal digital rendering (Photoshop, VRED, or equivalent).
  • Solid 3D surfacing capability (e.g., Alias, Blender, or similar).
  • Use of AI tools (image generation, variation, or assistive workflows) as part of an integrated design process.
• Strong communication skills and comfort presenting work to crossfunctional teams and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing wheels for production or advanced concept vehicles.
• Previous work in a global OEM or advanced studio environment.
• Deep automotive knowledge: understanding of vehicle architectures, wheel/tire fitment, brake package constraints, and brand/segment trends.
• Proven ability to take designs from early concept through to productionviable solutions.

Personal Attributes

• Genuine passion for automotive design and emerging mobility trends.
• Highly creative with a strong sense of proportion, stance, and detail.
• Collaborative, open to feedback, and able to iterate quickly.
• Proactive, selfdriven, and comfortable operating in a fastpaced studio environment.

Portfolio Submission

Please submit:

• Resume highlighting education and relevant experience.
• Digital portfolio (PDF or online link) featuring:
  • Freehand sketches and ideation pages
  • Photoshop renderings of wheels or related components
  • Blender or other 3D work (screenshots or turntables)
  • Any examples of AI-assisted design workflows, clearly labeled.

About GM

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Why Join Us

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Benefits Overview

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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.

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