Description
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.)
Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report in office three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business].
Start dates for this internship role are May 18 & June 15 of 2026.
The Team:
The Manufacturing Systems Research Lab at the General Motors R&D Center located in Warren, Michigan is searching for a Research Intern in the area of Manufacturing Systems and Control. This is an exciting growth area at GM R&D where interns will be part of a dynamic team focused on improving GM’s advanced manufacturing capabilities (such as Smart Manufacturing technologies) to enable GM’s future. Interns will be expected to leverage physics-based simulation models—such as structural mechanics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and shock physics—as virtual prototypes to optimize manufacturing system designs (e.g., end effector design for transfer stamping, where vibration and inertia present a trade-off) and to build confidence in predictions for systems that cannot be directly observed or tested. The candidate is expected to bring expertise in optimization and AI and is well positioned to develop an optimization platform using DAKOTA (Sandia National Laboratories) to tackle generative design challenges in manufacturing systems. In addition, as an Academic Research Intern, you'll contribute to cutting-edge solutions that redefine how vehicles are built, working hands-on with emerging technologies and collaborating across disciplines. Your ideas, experiments, and insights will help shape the future of manufacturing and drive meaningful impact across the industry.
The Role:
The specific research focus of the Manufacturing Systems and Controls Group is to develop advanced mathematical modeling and optimization approaches and build real-time, decision support tools that enable GM’s plants to meet efficiency and quality goals. In this area, you will contribute to the development of novel algorithms, models, tools, and methods that can be implemented in current or future manufacturing plants. You also need to have a strong background and experience in manufacturing systems and process design, smart manufacturing, digital twins, statistics, quality management, control systems, AI/ML, and machine vision. At General Motors Research & Development, we don’t just innovate—we redefine how the world manufactures. Now, we’re looking for visionary talent to help write the next chapter in this legacy and build a better future through technology. Join us in redefining how the world builds the future.
What You Will Do:
- Pioneer transformative research in manufacturing systems to unlock new frontiers in automotive manufacturing.
- Invent the future of vehicle production by designing next-generation production systems and identifying breakthrough opportunities for tools and models to improve GM’s plant productivity.
- Develop advanced math models & simulation techniques for GM's manufacturing processes such as in the area of Smart Manufacturing and building Digital Twins
- Generate new concepts and ideas while conducting research programs that apply the latest AI/ML tools
- Communicate with impact by delivering compelling technical reports and presentations that influence stakeholders and shape strategic direction.
- Protect innovation by generating high-value intellectual property that secures GM’s leadership in advanced manufacturing technologies.
- Create new methodologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial research and development.
- Model the future through advanced simulations and mathematical frameworks that accelerate technology deployment.
- Leverage cutting-edge tools and techniques to validate concepts and fuel continuous innovation.
- Lead and collaborate globally with top-tier technical teams, fostering a culture of excellence and shared success.
- Deliver results with autonomy and integrity, ensuring every technical assignment contributes meaningfully to GM’s mission.
- Stay ahead of the curve by continuously exploring emerging trends and technologies that shape the future of manufacturing.
- Represent GM with distinction at global conferences and industry forums, amplifying our voice in the technical community.
Required Qualifications:
- U.S. citizenship required to comply with federal government contract provision expressly restricting role to U.S. citizens.
- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant science or engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, industrial & systems engineering; applied mathematics/statistics/physics; operations research).
- Minimum of 2 years of hands-on research experience in automation and robotics, gained through academic, institutional, or industrial R&D settings.
- Background in manufacturing process modeling, design, control, and optimization
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and systems integration, especially in automotive or high-volume production environments.
- Ability and willingness to travel to manufacturing sites for troubleshooting, technology deployment, and collaboration with plant teams.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and global technical teams, with a strong commitment to shared success.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to lead or contribute meaningfully to technical projects, both independently and within team environments.
- Strong analytical and computational skills, including experience with simulation tools, modeling software, and data analysis platforms.
- Intellectual curiosity and adaptability, with a passion for continuous learning and staying current with emerging technologies in manufacturing and robotics.
What Will Give You a Competitive Advantage (Preferred Qualifications):
- Ph.D. degree from a top-tier research institution in a science or engineering discipline.
- Ph.D. degree with postdoctoral research experience, particularly in robotics, automation, or advanced manufacturing.
- Experience with digital twins, AI/ML applications in manufacturing, or Industry 4.0 technologies is highly desirable.
- Proficient in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization
- Structured database design and integration experience along with programming skills (e.g. SQL, C++, Python, R, Matlab)
- Familiarity with AI tools: Scikit Learn, Tensorflow, Keras, PyTorch
- Manufacturing engineering experience: general manufacturing processes, quality management, production planning, scheduling, shop floor control, lean manufacturing
- Demonstrated innovation, such as published research, patents, or contributions to open-source robotics projects or technical communities.
