Lab Group Manager - Manufacturing Research

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.

As a Lab Group Manager in GM R&D, you’ll lead a team of scientists and engineers to invent and validate the next generation of manufacturing technologies that move us toward GM’s vision of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. You’ll be at the center of advanced manufacturing innovation, turning bold ideas into scalable solutions in GM’s global factories while growing a world-class team. You’ll partner closely with manufacturing engineering, product engineering and IT to anticipate future factory needs and shape a research portfolio that keeps GM on the leading edge of manufacturing.

What you’ll do

• Set the vision and strategy for advanced manufacturing research in areas multiple disciplines
• Lead and grow a high-performing team of scientists, building both individual careers and the collective capabilities needed for GM’s future manufacturing systems.
• Design and oversee experiments and research programs that generate the data needed to validate new concepts and de-risk ambitious manufacturing ideas.
• Turn insights into impact through high-quality research reports, external publications and invention disclosures that capture new methods, tools and technologies.
• Build and manage a focused, high-leverage project portfolio that addresses GM’s most important manufacturing challenges while increasing team efficiency and throughput.
• Orchestrate internal and external capabilities from GM R&D labs to universities, government agencies, vendors and other collaborators to accelerate learning and impact.
• Champion a strong safety culture in the lab, ensuring hazards are communicated, procedures are followed and protective equipment is in place and effective.
• Serve as a scientific specialist in your field, leading technical discussions and reviews and communicating results and progress across the organization.
• Continuously expand your own skills and stay at the state of the art in robotics, automation and related manufacturing technologies.

Additional leadership responsibilities

• Help make GM R&D a workplace of choice by aligning with HR systems and driving a strong culture of people development.
• Partner closely with the Director and peer leaders to shape and deliver on the broader organizational strategy.
• Clearly communicate technical challenges, insights and results to R&D leadership and GM executives through reports and presentations.
• Shape and execute an intellectual property strategy that protects and amplifies GM’s competitive advantage.
• Track industry and technology trends, provide sharp analysis on where the field is headed and identify new skills and proficiencies the organization will need next.
• Build influential relationships across GM engineering and represent GM R&D to the broader engineering community to advance strategic objectives.
• Bring an entrepreneurial mindset and strong execution skills, turning innovative ideas into visible value and results for the company.

Requirements

• PhD in a Science or Engineering discipline, or a master’s degree in a relevant area plus 5–7 years of experience.
• Proven experience as both a technical leader and a people leader, with a track record of guiding teams through complex, multi-disciplinary challenges.
• Hands-on innovation management experience, from idea generation through validation and deployment.
• Deep expertise in manufacturing technology, including design, build and testing in high-volume environments.
• Ability to drive effective collaboration across diverse teams, peers, customers and external partners.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing with strong critical-thinking skills.

If you’re energized by building what’s next in manufacturing and turning cutting-edge research into real-world impact at global scale, this role will put you at the heart of innovation at GM R&D.



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}.

Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.



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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