General Motors

Creative Design Group - Industrial Design

General Motors$80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a design discipline such as automotive, industrial, or fashion design.
  • Professional experience in CMF design within the automotive or related industries.
  • Highly proficient in 2D rendering and digital visualization software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
  • Strong understanding of 3D surface language and experience with design tools such as VRED or Alias.
  • Portfolio showcasing creative problem-solving, trend boards, and 2D to 3D translations is mandatory.
  • Knowledge of how CMF design impacts user experience and the customer journey.
  • Must work onsite full-time in Warren, Michigan.

Responsibilities

  • Lead CMF strategy and develop design concepts for texture, color, materials, and soft-trim solutions.
  • Research global design trends, color theory, and material technologies to inform design directions.
  • Create cohesive CMF proposals, translating 2D ideas into compelling 3D concepts.
  • Promote innovative and sustainable materials and processes to align with GM’s sustainability goals.
  • Collaborate with various stakeholders such as designers and engineers to advance design projects.
  • Revise and track design proposals to align with project timelines and milestones.
  • Prepare documentation, presentations, and prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts.

Benefits

  • Exposure to a diverse range of CMF challenges in a major automotive setting.
  • Opportunity to work with interdisciplinary teams contributing to innovative design solutions.
  • A chance to impact sustainability initiatives at a global automotive leader.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and design tools to enhance creative capabilities.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Role

Join General Motors Design’s Color, Materials and Finish (CMF) group in Warren, Michigan, where art, design and technology come together to shape the future of mobility. As a Creative Designer, you will contribute to a connected global design team developing forward-thinking, production-oriented CMF solutions across GM programs and brands. You will research customer and cultural trends, translate insights into compelling design proposals, and help carry concepts from inception through implementation. This role is an opportunity to make a visible impact through innovative, human-centered and sustainable color and material experiences.

What You’ll Do
  • Lead CMF strategy, concept development and execution for texture, color, materials and soft-trim solutions that reinforce brand DNA.

  • Research global design trends, color theory, materials technology and future customer needs across a broad range of demographics.

  • Develop cohesive CMF proposals with strong command of proportion, composition and the translation of 2D ideas into 3D concepts.

  • Champion innovative, sustainable and responsible materials, coatings, finishes and processes that support GM quality and sustainability goals.

  • Collaborate with designers, sculptors, engineers and other cross-functional partners to resolve CMF content and advance program deliverables.

  • Revise, refine and track design proposals while maintaining alignment to program timing and decision milestones.

  • Prepare design documentation, presentations and prototypes that clearly communicate concepts and support implementation.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor’s degree in automotive design, industrial design, product design, interior design, fashion design, textile design, architecture, graphic design or a closely related design discipline.

  • Professional experience in CMF design for automotive, product or a related industry.

  • Highly proficient 2D rendering and digital visualization skills using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or equivalent software.

  • Demonstrated understanding of 3D surface language and experience with 3D visualization or AI-enabled design tools such as VRED, Alias, Rhino, Blender, Vizcom AI or similar.

  • A portfolio demonstrating creative problem solving, design judgment, conceptual ideation, trend and inspiration boards, color palettes, material concepts, digital rendering, prototyping and translation from 2D proposals to 3D concepts.

  • Understanding of how CMF design influences user experience and the customer journey.

  • Ability to work onsite full time in Warren, Michigan.

  • Submit a portfolio with your resume and application profile; an online link may be included in your resume or application, or a PDF may be uploaded as a separate attachment named LAST NAME, FIRST NAME (for example, Smith, John.pdf).

  • Portfolio work must not be subject to a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement; work owned by a current or former employer or another third party requires express written consent before it is shared with GM.

  • Portfolio submission is required. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. Candidates must meet the required qualifications and skillsets for this position; required qualifications cannot be waived for hiring.

  • Experience leading complex CMF or design programs from concept through implementation.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Experience in automotive design or production design within a global, cross-functional organization.

  • Advanced knowledge of sustainable materials, coatings, finishes and emerging materials technologies.

  • A strong understanding of global customer and cultural trends, with the ability to connect insights to future mobility experiences.

  • Experience using AI-assisted visualization or prototyping workflows to accelerate design exploration and communication.

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.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

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.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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

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