Paint Facilities Technical Lead

Job Description

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

You will serve as the technical lead for the design, installation, commissioning, and launch of paint facilities equipment—specifically work decks, vehicle inspection lighting, fire protection systems, and end‑of‑line paint repair booths. This role owns the full project lifecycle, from early process studies and SOR development through VR / 3D model validation, G‑risk reviews, mod builds, on‑site installation, and launch execution.

While much of the engineering work is office-based, this position requires hands-on engagement at supplier facilities and on-site during installation, commissioning, shutdowns, and startups to ensure fast issue resolution and safe, high-quality execution. You will collaborate closely with plant teams, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, sustainable workplaces, IE / MSIE, controls, IT, and strategic suppliers.

You will also play a key role in the digital transformation of paint shops by coordinating 3D scans, using digital models to validate designs, and supporting device-level analytics to improve quality, uptime, and overall system performance.

What You'll Do

Lead the full lifecycle of paint facilities installations—including work decks, inspection lighting, fire protection, and EOL repair booths—from early engineering through launch.

Develop SORs and lead weekly focus / working meetings to drive alignment, decisions, and closure of open technical issues.

Own and maintain specifications for decks, lighting, and fire protection to ensure compliance with safety, IH, and NFPA requirements while applying lessons learned to prevent rework.

Use VR and 3D models to define and validate deck heights, ergonomics, and layout concepts prior to fabrication, eliminating costly late-stage modifications.

Lead G‑risk reviews, mod builds, installation, commissioning, and launch activities, including on-site leadership during shutdowns and startups.

Partner cross-functionally with plants, ergonomics, IH, sustainable workplaces, IE / MSIE, and suppliers to ensure safe, functional, and on-time project delivery.

Review supplier quotations and challenge scope, assumptions, and execution plans to drive capital savings and cost-avoidance.

Provide hands-on plant support to resolve operational issues, improve safety, and sustain uptime.

Support digital transformation initiatives by coordinating 3D building and process scans and ensuring data is captured, stored, and accessible for engineering and simulation.

Collaborate with controls, IT, and analytics teams to enable Device Level Analytics (DLA) that improve quality, predictive maintenance, and downtime reduction.

Evaluate equipment and supplier options to enhance quality, reduce cost, and maintain approved supplier lists and acceptable alternatives.

Track and manage technical deliverables (MSQs, punch lists, TISs, safety items) through closure and handoff to plant teams.

Share technical knowledge through workshops, training, and documentation to support plant readiness and future launches.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

5+ years of experience working in an automotive paint shop environment.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent combination of education and technical experience).

Ability to work independently across the full lifecycle—from early engineering through installation, commissioning, and launch.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity, evaluate options, and make sound technical decisions without waiting for direction.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and suppliers, run effective working meetings, and hold stakeholders accountable to deliverables.

Strong working knowledge of paint shop facilities systems : work decks, fire protection, ventilation, and inspection lighting.

Experience developing clear, detailed SORs that drive accurate supplier quotes and execution.

Comfortable using data to challenge suppliers and peers when scope, cost, or timing is at risk.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical content to leadership and plant teams.

Ability to work effectively on-site during builds, shutdowns, and launches, making real-time decisions in dynamic environments.

Experience using data and digital tools—3D models, VR, analytics—to validate designs and improve outcomes.

High attention to detail, including validating drawings, layouts, and presentations before release.

Ability to document lessons learned and integrate them into standards and future projects.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Hands-on launch experience in paint shops, including leading installations, commissioning, and startup of paint facilities equipment.

Exposure to controls or analytics (PLCs, device-level data, vibration / temperature monitoring, AI / ML) to connect equipment data to quality, uptime, or maintenance improvements.

Strong digital fluency in paint shop environments—experience with 3D scanning, VR reviews, simulation tools, or controls data—and the ability to use that information to drive design or operational decisions.

Familiarity with AI or machine learning concepts and how they can be applied to manufacturing, quality improvement, or equipment monitoring.

Ability to drive work forward and make decisions when requirements are not fully defined.

#LI-MH1

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 hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so 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 .

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