2026 Summer Intern Research & Development Manufacturing Quality Systems Research

Job 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.)

To help facilitate administration of relocation benefits if you are selected please apply using the permanent address you would move from.

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:

Join a legacy of innovation at General Motors Research & Development in the Materials Manufacturing Systems Research (MMSR) organization. As an Academic Research Intern youll 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.

MMSR is pioneering cutting-edge quality verification systems that uphold the integrity of every product we build. At General Motors Research & Development we dont just innovatewe redefine the future of manufacturing. Now were seeking visionary talent to help shape the next chapter of this legacy and drive technological progress that builds a better tomorrow.

The Role:

As an Academic Research Intern in MMSR youll join a team at the forefront of manufacturing inspection and quality verification. Youll contribute bold ideas explore emerging research directions and help craft technical strategies that push boundaries. Your work will span hands-on experimentation data collection and analysis and process validationfrom early proof-of-concept through full-scale production systems.

Youll document your findings through high-impact research reports publications and invention disclosuresfueling GMs innovation pipeline while accelerating your own professional growth. This role requires a strong foundation in physics mechanical electrical or materials engineering along with familiarity with machine learning and AI toolsets. Youll also apply project management principles and collaborate across disciplines to solve real-world manufacturing challenges with creativity and rigor.

What You Will Do:

• Assess emerging inspection technologies for high-volume manufacturing by:
  • Identifying and developing novel techniques
  • Designing and executing controlled experiments
  • Analyzing results using statistical and computational methods
  • Synthesizing findings into actionable insights
• Deliver high-impact technical communication through detailed reports data-driven presentations and stakeholder briefings that inform strategic decisions.
• Generate intellectual property that protects innovation and strengthens GMs competitive position in advanced manufacturing.
• Develop new methodologies that extend the capabilities of industrial R&D with emphasis on scalability robustness and integration into production environments.
• Execute with autonomy and technical integrity ensuring each deliverable aligns with GMs mission and engineering standards.
• Stay technically current by monitoring emerging trends in inspection science automation and AIand translating them into practical applications.

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 Physics or Materials Engineering)
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on research experience gained through academic institutional or industrial R&D settings.
• Proficiency in experimental design and execution
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and systems integration especially in automotive or high-volume production environments.
• 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.

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 in NDE (Non Destructive Evaluation) methods or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience AI/ML applications in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of software development practices including proficiency in Python C or other languages used in automation.
• Demonstrated innovation such as published research patents or contributions to open-source robotics projects or technical communities.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day individually and collectively to drive meaningful change through our words our deeds and our culture. Every day we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one were looking out for your well-beingat work and at homeso you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex race color national origin citizenship status religion age disability pregnancy or maternity status sexual orientation gender identity status as a veteran or protected veteran or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required where applicable to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

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