Modeling Simulation Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

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

As a Robotic Process Simulation Engineer, you will apply deep technical expertise in manufacturing automation, robotics, and simulation to solve complex production challenges and shape how GM designs, automates, and validates assembly lines. You will lead simulation activities that improve safety, quality, cost, throughput, and launch readiness across GM plants.

This role is ideal for an experienced manufacturing engineer who wants to remain hands-on with digital twins, advanced automation, robotics simulation, and offline programming while influencing the design and launch of future plants and manufacturing systems. From early concept development through Start of Production, you will connect virtual models to real-world requirements and help teams make better, faster, data-driven decisions before equipment is built.

Work may involve the development and testing of advanced process technology.

What You'll Do

• Lead the robotic process simulation scope for assigned programs or systems, ensuring virtual models accurately represent real-world requirements, constraints, standards, and plant conditions from concept through Start of Production.

• Define, document, and validate simulation requirements. Use virtual models to evaluate and refine tooling, automation concepts, robot reach and motion, line layouts, cycle time, throughput, ergonomics, and process feasibility before physical implementation.

• Translate simulation findings into clear technical requirements, recommendations, and actionable inputs for internal engineering teams, manufacturing sites, and suppliers.

• Deploy and continuously improve GM Global Standards across projects, enabling common solutions, reusable simulation content, and consistent practices across regions and homerooms.

• Lead technical reviews with cross-functional and supplier teams to align on simulation methods, assumptions, risks, constraints, and mitigations. Escalate issues with data-driven recommendations and clearly defined trade-offs.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Controls, IT, Plant Operations, Safety, and other disciplines to align simulation activities with business strategies, engineering standards, and launch objectives.

• Support site execution and launch by connecting virtual models to physical implementation, troubleshooting discrepancies, and using simulation outputs to reduce risk related to timing, throughput, ergonomics, quality, and production readiness.

• Apply simulation and advanced digital tools to identify constraints, quantify benefits, improve quality and efficiency, and support investment decisions for automation and tooling.

• Capture, publish, and reuse lessons learned from completed projects to strengthen continuous improvement, future automation strategies, and the Digital Twin roadmap.

• Contribute to the resolution of complex manufacturing problems and help drive scalable solutions across GM manufacturing operations.

• Travel to manufacturing and supplier sites as required, approximately 10%.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Industrial, Manufacturing, or a related engineering field.

• Experience in one or more of the following environments:

  • Automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier environments.

  • Software or automation companies with significant exposure to industrial automation, robotics, or manufacturing simulation.

• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process design, and process simulation, preferably with Siemens Tecnomatix.

• Meaningful experience applying simulation or advanced digital tools in a real manufacturing environment, including studies that influenced tooling, automation, line design, or process decisions.

• Thorough knowledge of PLC hardware, software design, and engineering fundamentals.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings, equipment layouts, and related design documentation.

• Working knowledge of robot programming and troubleshooting, preferably with FANUC robots.

• Knowledge of plant-floor automation systems and their interfaces with manufacturing operations.

• Ability to contribute to the resolution of complex manufacturing problems using structured analysis and sound engineering judgment.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional and supplier teams.

• Ability to learn quickly, build functional expertise, and apply knowledge to new technologies and manufacturing environments.

• Project management and site-execution skills.

• Ability to travel approximately 10%.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• 3+ years of experience in automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier environments, and/or software or automation companies with significant exposure to industrial automation, robotics, or manufacturing simulation.

• Hands-on experience conducting robot and PLC simulation studies, including the creation, optimization, and validation of offline programs.

• Experience with digital twin development, robotic process simulation, virtual commissioning, or advanced manufacturing simulation.

• Understanding of robot interfaces with PLCs, line controllers, machines, conveyors, safety devices, and other automation equipment.

• Ability to interpret electrical and electronic requirements associated with robotic and automated manufacturing systems.

• Knowledge of manufacturing health and safety principles, including ergonomics, safety standards, risk assessment, and guarding concepts.

• Experience supporting manufacturing site execution, equipment installation, run-at-rate, launch, or Start of Production activities.

• Experience developing reusable simulation assets, standard work, technical documentation, or global engineering standards.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and influence decisions across engineering, operations, and supplier teams.

#LI-MH1

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}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits. This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will only be provided for this role by passing the Motor Vehicle Report review.

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

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