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Materials Engineer Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI (NOW HIRING)

The Chassis Materials Engineer will apply a strong metallurgy and materials engineering background to specify materials used in vehicle design, with a focus on gears, driveline systems, axles, prop ...

The Chassis Materials Engineer will apply a strong metallurgy and materials engineering background to specify materials used in vehicle design, with a focus on gears, driveline systems, axles, prop ...

Material Movement

Warren, MI · On-site

$35 - $44/hr

Use Excel or Power BI to analyze station performance. o PLC and HMI controls programming o Robotic / Vision programming (Fanuc Cobot focus - CRX30i) o GM automation standards - GCCS / GCCH o Sensor ...

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Materials Engineer information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$35K

$92.7K

$145.4K

How much do materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer in Rochester Hills, MI is $92,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $107,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a materials engineer do?

As a materials engineer, you develop, test, and process new materials. You may create new types of plastic, metal, or ceramic materials for use in various applications. You work with nanomaterials and other unusual substances to create products that meet specific chemical, electrical, or mechanical requirements. Depending on the company's needs and the status of a material's development, you typically work in a laboratory or an office setting. Many potential materials are modeled on computers before attempting manufacture, so familiarity with design software is paramount.

What is a materials engineer?

Materials engineers are professionals who study, develop, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from computer chips to aircraft components. They work with metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and other substances to improve their properties and performance. Their work often involves selecting appropriate materials for specific applications, researching new materials, and troubleshooting issues related to material failures. Materials engineers play a critical role in advancing technologies in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering.

What are some common challenges materials engineers face when working on cross-functional project teams?

Materials Engineers often collaborate with professionals from design, manufacturing, and quality assurance departments. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex materials science concepts to team members without a technical background. Additionally, balancing the ideal material properties with project cost, manufacturability, and timeline constraints requires strong problem-solving and negotiation skills. Overcoming these challenges typically involves active participation in team meetings, clear documentation, and a willingness to adapt solutions based on feedback from various stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials engineer?

To thrive as a Materials Engineer, you need a solid understanding of materials science, engineering principles, and typically a bachelor's degree in materials, chemical, or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with analytical tools like scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and computer-aided design (CAD) software is often required. Effective problem-solving, project management, and strong communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present findings clearly. These abilities are essential for developing innovative materials and ensuring product reliability and performance in various industries.

What is the difference between Materials Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMaterials EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field; often includes certifications like ASM certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license may be preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, quality controlDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, testing labs
Industry UsageMaterials development, failure analysis, quality assuranceProduct design, systems, and machinery development

Materials Engineers focus on developing and testing materials used in products, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Both roles often collaborate but serve different core functions within manufacturing and product development industries.

What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in Rochester Hills, MI? For Materials Engineer jobs in Rochester Hills, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Materials Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Materials Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,724 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,272 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

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 peopleas we aim to makedriving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role:

The Chassis Materials Engineer will apply a strong metallurgy and materials engineering background to specify materials used in vehicle design, with a focus on gears, driveline systems, axles, prop shafts, and related components.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

  • Specify chassis/HVAC material call-out for use on vehicle parts.

  • Write specifications related to materials for use on vehicle parts.

  • Research, study and test new material combinations to reduce cost and weight and improve strength at the same time they take ensure the combinations can be joint, either welded or through dispense and that the process will be reliable and repeatable.

  • Design and conduct advanced material testing to evaluate performance under various conditions.

  • Oversee the development and implementation of lightweight and sustainable materials.

  • Perform in-depth failure analysis and develop solutions to material-related issues.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize production processes and ensure high-quality output.

  • Innovate and integrate new materials and technologies into vehicle design.

  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

  • Coordinate with suppliers to ensure material quality and availability.

  • Document and present research findings, test results, and material specifications.

  • Mentor and guide junior engineers in their professional development.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials or Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.

  • Strong proficiency in data analysis techniques and software for interpreting material test results and process optimization.

  • Solid understanding of various metallurgical manufacturing processes.

  • Experience with material testing methodologies and equipment.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.

  • Strong communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.

  • 5+ years of proven experience in metallurgy and materials development, characterization, and application, preferably within the automotive industry.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Master's or PhD degree in Metallurgical or Materials Engineering,

  • or a related field.

  • DFSS Black Belt or Master Black Belt.

  • Familiarity with automotive industry standards and regulations.

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 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}. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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

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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