Research Development Textile Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Textile Materials Engineer to help shape the next generation of automotive interior and exterior materials at General Motors. In this role, you will lead the development, testing, and implementation of innovative textile solutions across interior applications, translating material science into real vehicle impact.

You will work across design, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to integrate new materials that deliver the right balance of performance, durability, manufacturability, and cost. This is an opportunity to solve complex technical challenges, drive process improvements, and influence how advanced textile technologies are applied throughout the product lifecycle.

The role also offers the chance to stay at the forefront of emerging textile science, bring new ideas into GM, and contribute to vehicles that advance quality, safety, sustainability, and innovation. For someone energized by hands-on problem solving, cross-functional leadership, and turning material innovation into production-ready solutions, this is a highly visible and meaningful role.

What You'll Do

• Research, develop, and evaluate new textile materials and technologies for various automotive interior and exterior applications, including seating, trim, and components.

• Conduct thorough material testing and characterization, analyzing data to assess performance, durability, and compliance with industry standards and internal specifications.

• Collaborate with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to integrate new textile materials into vehicle designs, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

• Identify and implement process improvements in textile manufacturing, leveraging data analysis to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.

• Manage supplier relationships, ensuring the quality and timely delivery of textile materials according to project requirements.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends and advancements in textile science and engineering, applying this knowledge to drive innovation within General Motors.

• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation related to material development, testing, and manufacturing processes.

• Troubleshoot and resolve material-related issues throughout the product lifecycle.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

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

• Strong proficiency in Data Analysis techniques and software for interpreting material test results and process optimization.

• Solid understanding of various textile 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.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master's or PhD degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

• DFSS Black Belt or Master Black Belt.

• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and regulations.

• Understanding of cost drivers within textiles.

• Background in sustainable textiles including product certifications, metrics, and LCAs.

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.