Entry Level Tire Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

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 cross-functional 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 production-viable 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, self-driven, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced 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.

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