General Motors

Senior Application Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

General Motors$100K — $130K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of manufacturing experience focusing on engineering in assembly or powertrain sectors.
  • Hands-on experience with fastening or inspection systems like torque tools and vision systems.
  • Strong technical communication skills for engaging varied audiences.
  • Ability to independently tackle complex technical challenges and deliver disciplined results.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of fastening and inspection applications aligned with program goals.
  • Maintain the Scope of Development Work (SODW) across project phases.
  • Drive technical readiness and compliance during MRL 4-7 gate reviews.
  • Act as the technical lead, coordinating with engineering teams and suppliers.
  • Develop plant process use cases including layouts and simulations.
  • Integrate manufacturing solutions and resource needs into planning studies.
  • Benchmark solutions and collaborate with suppliers for capability and cost efficiency.

Benefits

  • Onsite work environment with collaboration across global teams.
  • Opportunity to influence technical strategy and implementation in the automotive sector.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams and exposure to diverse technical projects.
  • Potential for professional growth through complex problem-solving and strategic execution.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Application Engineer to lead advanced manufacturing applications for fastening and inspection across GM's global footprint. In this role, you will own technical execution from concept through plant launch (MRL 4-7), ensuring solutions are technically sound, operationally ready, and fully integrated into plant processes.

You will work in a highly cross-functional environment, partnering with Product Engineering, R&D, ARC, Tech Experts, manufacturing plants, and suppliers to remove execution barriers, reduce risk, and deliver scalable, repeatable manufacturing solutions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead advanced fastening and inspection applications aligned with program, plant, and business objectives.
  • Own and maintain Scope of Development Work (SODW) for fastening and inspection across program phases.
  • Support and participate in MRL 4-7 gate reviews, driving technical readiness and compliance with GM standards.
  • Serve as PET technical lead or core contributor, coordinating across engineering, plants, and suppliers.
  • Develop and validate plant process use cases (layouts, simulations) tied back to SODW.
  • Integrate solutions, timing, and resource needs into the Manufacturing Planning Study (MPS).
  • Benchmark off-the-shelf solutions and engage strategic suppliers for capability, cost, and scalability.
  • Collaborate with fastening and inspection SMEs to define requirements, review concepts, and validate solutions.
  • Support launch execution from development through plant implementation, including builds, trials, and ramp-up.
  • Develop and maintain technical cost and timing inputs to support resource planning.
  • Support and influence Design for Automation (DFA) early in the product development cycle.
  • Capture and deploy lessons learned from development, launches, and plant operations.
  • Clearly communicate technical status, risks, readiness, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with strong focus on manufacturing engineering in assembly or powertrain.
  • Hands-on experience with fastening or inspection systems (e.g., torque tools, vision systems).
  • Strong technical communication skills for diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Proven ability to work independently, own complex technical problems, and deliver results through disciplined execution.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Deep manufacturing engineering process knowledge.
  • Automotive industry experience.
  • Experience supporting launches, working with suppliers, and executing technical strategy.
  • Ability to operate effectively in cross-functional, global, and high-pressure environments.
  • Master's degree or higher in a relevant technical discipline.
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 onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.The selected candidate will be required to travel

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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