Technical Specialist - Advanced Seat Structures
HybridWarren, Michigan, United States
Job Summary
Lead advanced front and rear seat structure architecture development from clean sheet through execution, translating vehicle targets into robust layouts and mechanism concepts. Utilize CAE, packaging, and kinematic studies to evaluate structural load paths, stiffness, and modal behavior while standardizing enablers for reuse across programs. Drive global competitive benchmarking and technology roadmaps, partnering with JIT suppliers to scout, evaluate, and prototype new structure and mechanism technologies. Ensure advanced concepts meet global safety and regulatory requirements by defining validation strategies for new architectures and supporting early trade-off studies. Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and regional teams to define automation-friendly concepts and develop data-driven business cases for advanced structures.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
- 7+ years post-graduation engineering experience, with significant time on automotive seat structures or closely related structural systems
- Proven track record developing seat structures from concept through launch, including supplier collaboration and plant support
- Deep understanding of seat-to-vehicle packaging, occupant ergonomics, and structural integration with BIW/floor systems
- Demonstrated proficiency in structural analysis (e.g., FEA, modal/rigid-bed analysis) and ability to translate CAE/test results into design recommendations
- Strong knowledge of global seating safety and regulatory requirements and how they influence architecture decisions
- Evidence of operating independently on complex, ambiguous technical problems and converting them into executable concepts and strategies
- Experience with benchmarking and competitive analysis, with the ability to translate insights into GM-relevant solutions
- Solid business acumen with experience preparing and communicating cost/mass/investment trade studies
- Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to convey complex structural topics to technical and non-technical audiences
- Demonstrated collaboration and influence skills across functions and regions, without direct people leadership
- Work on-site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week, or as otherwise determined by the hiring leader
- Must be available for weekend shifts
- Valid driver's license
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in Mechanical, Structural, or closely related Engineering discipline
- 10+ years of engineering experience, including substantial time in advanced/AVD-style roles or advanced structure/mechanism development
- Recognized technical leadership in seating, structures, or mechanisms
- Demonstrated leadership of clean-sheet seat structure architectures that delivered step-change improvements in comfort, headroom, mass, or cost
- Experience with composite or other lightweight structural materials and related manufacturing processes applied to seat structures
- DFSS Black Belt and/or advanced problem-solving certification (e.g., Red X) with demonstrated application to structural and system-level issues
- Direct experience contributing to highly automated manufacturing strategies for structural systems
- Familiarity with GM engineering processes, GVDP, and collaboration with regional engineering centers on advanced seating concepts
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.