General Motors

Automotive Robotics Researcher

General Motors • $100K — $130K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Reposted 2 days ago
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field required.
  • PhD preferred in robotics, controls, or intelligent systems.
  • 3-5 years experience as an individual researcher in robotics or closely related areas.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with a strong track record of documentation and presentations.

Responsibilities

  • Generate innovative concepts and lead R&D projects to meet technical needs.
  • Conduct research and experiments to validate concepts and advance robotics solutions.
  • Produce detailed research reports and maintain records of inventions.
  • Stay updated on industry and academic developments to enhance technical competencies.
  • Forge and manage partnerships with divisional teams to align objectives.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with flexibility in location expectations.
  • Potential relocation benefits for eligible candidates.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Job Description

Role Summary

The Senior Robotics Researcher will drive advanced robotics research and development to support GM's future manufacturing and product strategies. This role combines deep technical expertise, hands-on experimentation, and close collaboration with cross-functional partners to create innovative, scalable robotic solutions for complex industrial applications.

Key Responsibilities
  • Generate innovative concepts, propose and lead R&D projects, and evaluate emerging technologies to address critical business and technical needs.
  • Lead research and experiments to collect data, validate concepts, and advance state-of-the-art solutions in your domain.
  • Produce high-quality research reports, external publications, and records of invention that clearly document new ideas and research results.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry and academic developments to continually grow core technical skills and competencies.
  • Build and manage strong partnerships with divisional teams and stakeholders to align on objectives and deliverables.
  • Ensure proper laboratory safety practices, including use and maintenance of personal protective equipment, and clear communication of laboratory hazards.
  • Execute complex technical and special assignments with minimal guidance.
  • Support lab leadership in identifying megatrends in technology and business strategies across the automotive sector and related industries.
  • Contribute to GM's strategic response to emerging threats and opportunities in robotics and automation.
  • Represent GM as a technical leader in external technical and business communities (e.g., conferences, standards bodies, industry consortia).
  • Lead technical discussions, design reviews, and peer reviews as an expert in your field, clearly communicating results and progress across the organization.
  • Continuously grow and diversify your skills and technical competencies.
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of state-of-the-art research in specialized robotics domains and consistently exhibit innovative thinking and strong cross-functional partnership.

Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree required in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • PhD preferred in a related discipline with a focus on robotics, controls, or intelligent systems.
  • 3-5 years of experience as an individual researcher in robotics or closely related areas.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a track record of clear technical documentation and presentations.

Technical Skills & Experience
  • Robot kinematics and dynamics: forward/inverse kinematics, advanced kinematic modeling, and novel robot configuration development.
  • Robot motion and trajectory planning: time-optimal, collision-free, and constraint-aware path planning.
  • Robot control methods: position, velocity, force/torque, impedance, and vision-based control.
  • Closed-loop and automatic control: stability, overshoot, path accuracy, and control tuning for industrial systems.
  • Multi-robot systems: coordination, collaboration, and synchronization of multiple robots.
  • Industrial articulated robots: programming, commissioning, and optimization for processing, assembly, and material handling.
  • Industrial mobile robots: navigation, coordination, and integration into manufacturing environments.
  • Industrial hardware and system integration: hardware design, system configuration, and integration of robots, sensors, and controllers.
  • Fanuc robot programming: advanced applications using KAREL and related toolsets.
  • ROS-based control architectures: development of robot control stacks and integration with industrial systems.
  • Digital twins and offline programming: expert-level modeling, simulation, and offline programming of robotic systems.
  • Physical behavior of robotic systems: understanding thermal growth, vibration, stability, path accuracy, and dynamic effects.
  • End-to-end AI for robot control: data-driven and learning-based control strategies for industrial applications.
  • Modular and hybrid control schemes: combining classical control with AI while ensuring reliability, explainability, and safety.
  • Industrial application development: robotic solutions for processing, assembly, and material handling.

Manipulation & End-Effector Expertise
  • Gripper and end-effector design: vacuum, mechanical, soft-robotic, and hybrid grippers.
  • Handling challenging materials and parts, including:
    • Flexible materials (e.g., cardboard, wiring harnesses)
    • Deformable parts (e.g., seals, trims)
    • Large rigid structures (e.g., closures, castings)
  • Grasp planning under uncertainty: robust strategies for variable pose, compliance, and contact conditions.
  • In-process manipulation: integrated manipulation with processes such as welding and other value-add operations.
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 may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

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As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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