At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.
Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.
The Role
The Technical Specialist (TS) – Hard Trim is a recognized technical leader for interior hard trim systems (e.g., quarter and garnish trim, rear compartment and rear window trim, related interior decorative hard trim). The TS is accountable for subsystem development from requirements definition through virtual analysis, physical validation, and launch. The role collaborates cross‑functionally with studio, architecture, DREs, VDDV, safety, quality, manufacturing, purchasing, and validation teams to deliver robust designs that meet performance, regulatory, mass, cost, craftsmanship, and timing objectives.
The TS owns the technical foundation for the Hard Trim commodity, including design guidelines, interface control, and compliance strategy. They lead the definition and continuous improvement of key processes (BP, Peer Reviews, ICDm, DFMEA, ICDs, SORs, etc.), maintain alignment to GM specifications and FMVSS/CMVSS requirements, and drive technology roadmaps that balance innovation with execution risk. The role emphasizes design integration and simplification across the broader interior architectural portfolio.
What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)
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Lead as the global single point of contact for interior Hard Trim systems (e.g., VPPS 40.03.01 Quarter & Garnish Trim and related domains) across programs, aligning component, system, safety, and validation requirements.
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Provide expert judgment and analysis for the design, development, and implementation of engineering solutions for Hard Trim components, interfaces, and attachment strategies.
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Serve as the designated Technical Specialist approver for interior Hard Trim in MVSS/CMVSS 201 and 302 compliance summaries, including evaluation reports and engineering judgment letters.
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Define, maintain, and continuously improve Hard Trim technical specifications, design rules, and test procedures (e.g., GMW, SSTS/CTS) in alignment with cross‑functional stakeholders.
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Lead and participate in key technical reviews (BP, ICDm, DFMEA, Peer Reviews) ensuring that Hard Trim content meets performance, robustness, and manufacturability requirements.
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Guide architecture and program teams on part break‑up, materials, joining, and sealing strategies to achieve optimal craftsmanship, durability, and warranty performance.
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Support Global Safety, Field Investigations, and Emerging Issue Identification by diagnosing root causes related to Hard Trim content and driving robust corrective actions.
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Collaborate with studio, manufacturing, and suppliers to industrialize new Hard Trim technologies (materials, decorative finishes, acoustic/structural solutions) and incorporate lessons learned into standards.
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Mentor and provide consultation to DREs, VTEs/SVEs, ETLs/EGMs, and global partners, building capability and ensuring consistent execution of Hard Trim best practices.
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Develop, maintain, and approve commodity‑specific Statements of Requirements (SORs), sourcing strategies, and technical content for sourcing and change management forums (e.g., ECTs).
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Lead and strategize Engineering With Simplicity, New Technology and application of Virtual tools
Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)
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Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or Technology
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5+ years of relevant engineering experience, with significant time in interior trim or Hard Trim component design and release.
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Demonstrated expertise in engineering design of interior Hard Trim components (e.g., quarter and garnish trim, rear compartment trim, rear window trim, interior decorative hard trim), including packaging, attachment, and integration to adjacent systems.
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Proficiency with DFMEA, GD&T, tolerance stack‑ups, and Design for Manufacturing/Assembly, with a track record of resolving complex fit, finish, and functional issues.
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Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including use of CAE results, test data, and field feedback to drive design decisions.
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Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams, influence without direct authority, and communicate complex technical topics clearly to diverse audiences.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
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Master’s Degree in Engineering or other advanced technical degree.
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Working knowledge of FMVSS/CMVSS 201 and 302 and associated GM Technical Specifications as they apply to interior Hard Trim; ability to interpret requirements and lead compliance strategy.
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Deep experience as a DRE, VTE/SVE, Architect, or Technical Specialist on interior Hard Trim programs across multiple architectures or regions.
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Advanced knowledge of polymer materials, decorative technologies, and manufacturing processes used in Hard Trim (e.g., injection molding, 2K, over‑molding, in‑mold decorating, wrap and foam processes).
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Prior experience preparing and/or approving MVSS/CMVSS 201 and 302 compliance documentation (compliance summaries, evaluation reports, and engineering judgment letters) for interior content.
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Experience with Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) tools and methods and their application to interior systems.
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Familiarity with immersive or digital technologies (e.g., VR/AR reviews, advanced visualization) for design, integration, and issue resolution.
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