Technical Specialist - Seat Plastics

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThis role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the selected candidate will be expected to work on‑site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week (or other frequency determined by their manager).  This role is not eligible for relocation assistanceAt 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..About the RoleThe Seat Plastics Technical Specialist (TS) is responsible for leading the development and definition of plastics content within a specific vehicle partition, with a primary focus on seating systems and related components.This is a highly cross-functional role, serving as the subject matter expert for plastics within assigned BOM row(s) in the seat complete space. The scope includes injection-molded, blow-molded, compression-molded, and engineered plastic structures used in seat frames and components.The role encompasses BOM row strategy, technology and knowledge management, structural BOM ownership, product safety engagement, global technical direction, peer review leadership, and development and maintenance of core DFMEA content for plastics. This position requires a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and comfort working in ambiguous environments.Experience supporting seating systems through multiple vehicle development cycles and/or expertise in cost development, complexity optimization, and plastics manufacturing technologies is strongly preferred.Key Responsibilities:BOM Row Safety & Compliance – PlasticsOwn product safety and compliance for plastics-related BOM rows within seating systems, including structural and appearance components (frames, side shields, trim bezels, recliner covers, comfort components, etc.)Support field action analysis and product safety investigations involving plastic seat componentsLead engagement in product safety processes, including evaluation of issues such as durability, fracture, odor, VOCs, emissions, and material performanceAuthor or co-author Preventative Action Letters (PAL) following product investigationsEnsure effective read-across of issues across current and legacy programs through the S-PRTS processBOM Row Strategy – Seat PlasticsSupport development and approval of plastics BOM row strategy through the BOM Strategy Executive Team (BSET), including deployment of global variant mapsDefine and drive complexity and content strategies across materials, processes, geometry families, and Corporate Common Components (CCC)Lead benchmarking, competitive analysis, and consumer insights to inform strategy (e.g., JDP, Compass, teardown studies)Drive data-informed decisions related to perceived quality, sustainability, and emerging material trendsBOM Row Knowledge & Standards – PlasticsDefine and maintain technical requirements (SSTS, CTS, GMW) for plastics within seating systemsLead development and maintenance of core DFMEA templates for plastics content, including manufacturing and design controlsDevelop and maintain best practices, design guidelines, KCDS, and ICD documentation for plastics design and manufacturingSupport design reviews and peer reviews, ensuring robust closure of technical actionsDevelop and support business cases, AR planning, and funding strategies for plastics-related decisions (materials, tooling, cost optimization)4. Product Innovation & Technology Advancement – Seat PlasticsSupport integration of plastics content within complete seat systems, including interfaces with metal, foam, trim, and electrical componentsMaintain core template DES content for plastics requirementsParticipate in supplier capability assessments and technical reviews for plastics processes and technologiesAlign plastics strategy to GVDP milestones (PFI → DSI → ESO → IDR → VDR), ensuring manufacturability and consistencySupport early program development by applying BOM strategy to architecture and design decisionsApprove technical content in engineering SOWs (eSOR) where applicableLead advancement of new plastics technologies, including lightweighting, recycled materials, insert molding, and functional integrationBasic Required Qualifications5+ years of engineering experience (8+ years preferred), with direct experience in automotive plastics design and manufacturingKnowledge of GM engineering processes (GVDP, SSTS/CTS/GMW, DFMEA, KCDS, ICDs, peer reviews)Strong experience in seat system packaging and integration, including plastics interfaces with metal structures, foam, trim, and electrical systemsExperience working with OEMs, suppliers, and toolmakers in plastics manufacturingDemonstrated problem-solving experience (e.g., DFSS Black Belt, Red X) applied to plastics-related challenges such as warpage, dimensional variation, appearance, and durabilityGM 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., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)#LI-JN1 About GMOur 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 t