Surface Designer Jobs in Michigan (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 crossfunctional 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 productionviable 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, selfdriven, and comfortable operating in a fastpaced 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.

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.