Freelance Surface Pattern Design Jobs in Michigan

Job Description

The Role

As a Computational Design and Parametric Modeling expert, you will drive the development and adoption of advanced digital workflows across the GM design community. You will leverage tools such as NX Algorithmic Modeling, Rhino, Grasshopper, Alias, and Dynamo to create complex sculpted surfaces, branded textures, and high-quality patterns that bring vehicle interior and exterior themes to life. Partnering closely with design and engineering stakeholders, you will contribute to solving challenging aesthetic and technical problems while integrating computational design strategies into the overall vehicle design and development process. You will also provide technical expertise, training, and guidance to cross-functional studio teams, mentoring sculptors and enabling collaboration across multiple studios.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the subject matter expert in computational design and parametric modeling, using advanced algorithms to build complex sculpted surfaces and high-quality aesthetic models across the GVDP.

• Develop and implement cross-platform hybrid workflows, tools, and processes that integrate computational design strategies into the overall vehicle design process, including the creation of branded textures, patterns, and advanced surfacing solutions.

• Mentor and coach sculptors and studio personnel on the theory, practice, and implementation of computational design and digital sculpting tools to create vehicle exterior and interior themes.

• Champion a strong safety mindset while testing and developing common GM Global Design processes and best practices, and ensuring adherence to corporate data management and communication systems (Teamcenter, SharePoint, PDM, timekeeping, email, etc.).

• Balance workloads across multiple studios and programs, enabling collaboration and alignment to accomplish organizational goals and meet program timing requirements.

• Actively participate in studio and patio reviews, contributing expert aesthetic judgment and 3D solutions to address design and engineering challenges with cross-functional teams.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Expert-level creative and technical proficiency in computational design and parametric modeling, with a strong portfolio of complex sculpted surfaces and high-quality aesthetic models.

• Deep expertise in computational software, including Alias, NX Algorithmic Modeling, Rhino, Grasshopper, Dynamo, and related tools used for digital sculpting and hybrid workflows.

• Proven ability to estimate timing requirements for GVDP model execution and effectively manage workloads and priorities across multiple studios and programs.

• High level of interpersonal and collaboration skills; approachable, able to build strong internal networks, and comfortable escalating personnel or collaboration conflicts to leadership when needed.

• Demonstrated courage and change leadership, with the ability to drive process improvements, implement new workflows, and help others overcome resistance to change.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) with a strong ability to create clear presentations and communication documentation.

• Demonstrated habit of seeking innovation and continuous improvement, executing on new ideas and incorporating emerging computational design capabilities into day-to-day work.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent industry-related experience will be considered.

• Experience mentoring sculptors and studio teams in computational design, digital sculpting, and parametric modeling methodologies.

• Experience developing branded textures, patterns, and advanced surfacing within an automotive, transportation, or closely related design environment.

• Familiarity with GM Global Design processes, including testing and developing common design workflows and best practices.

• Hands-on experience with corporate data management and communication systems such as Teamcenter, SharePoint, PDM, and related studio tools.

• Demonstrated track record as an active contributor in studio and patio reviews, providing strong aesthetic judgment and 3D solutions in partnership with design and engineering stakeholders.

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 onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis. 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

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Benefits Overview

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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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