2026 Fall Intern - Research & Development

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]. 

The start date for this internship is September 7, 2026.

The Team

At GM, we craft products people crave and experiences they never forget. It all starts with research and development. We are looking for R&D Interns to craft, design, and develop groundbreaking concepts and technologies that will help shape the future of mobility.

In this internship, you will plan and execute collaborative research across advanced engineering, systems optimization, autonomy, safety, manufacturing, and power electronics. Projects may include component analysis and application of AI tools, systems optimization and use of agentic systems, evaluation of multi-modal command recognition approaches for off-road autonomy, comparison of human body models for injury severity prediction, and development of next-generation electrical power devices and switching technologies.

You will work with technical leaders across GM Research and Development to explore innovative approaches that combine engineering fundamentals with AI, modeling, simulation, controls, robotics, and advanced electronics. Our culture of innovation gives you the opportunity to contribute to impactful research, support development of advanced technical solutions, and help shape future vehicle, mobility, and engineering capabilities.

What You Will Do

Conduct research and/or experiments to collect required data and validate research ideas

Apply engineering, computational, and AI-based methods to challenging research problems across multiple technical domains

Develop AI/ML models and algorithms for simulation tools and workflows supporting component analysis, structural optimization, systems optimization, autonomous vehicles, injury prediction, or power electronics research.

Analyze and compare technical approaches, methods, or system architectures and provide data-driven recommendations

Develop reproducible test protocols, validation plans, or benchmarking approaches for research activities as needed

Document and present results; depending on the assignment, work may lead to external publications and/or intellectual property

Develop and execute specific research plans, including concept generation, development, implementation, and validation

Collaborate effectively with peers, management, operations groups, and outside organizations

Required Qualifications

U.S. citizenship required to comply with federal government contract provision expressly restricting role to U.S. citizens

Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program

Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related science/engineering field

Strong foundation in at least one of the following areas: engineering analysis, AI/ML, optimization, robotics, simulation, controls, injury biomechanics, electric machines and drives, or power electronics

Programming, modeling, or simulation experience using relevant engineering or data analysis tools

Ability to work both independently and in teams

Consistently demonstrate critical thinking and strong teamwork

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Excellent persuasion, active listening, delegation, and leadership skills to work effectively with GM internal and external customers

What Will Give You a Competitive Advantage (Preferred Qualifications)

Prior research, internship, or project experience in CAE, structural optimization, engineering mechanics, systems engineering, autonomy, robotics, safety modeling, injury biomechanics, semiconductor devices, controls, electric machines and drives, or power electronics

Experience applying AI/ML, optimization, or agentic systems to engineering or operational problems

Familiarity with testing, validation, benchmarking, or evaluation of multi-modal perception or command recognition systems

Experience with simulation, modeling, or comparison of human body models or injury prediction methods

Background and experience in AI assisted topological optimization of electric machines

Exposure to wide bandgap semiconductors, GaN devices, switching technologies, or advanced electrical power systems

Demonstrated ability to translate technical findings into clear recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences

Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills to effectively collaborate with varying levels of the organization as needed

Demonstrates leadership in field of study, extra-curricular activities, or service organizations

Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, especially the ability to synthesize large amounts of data involving multiple variables into comprehensive, impactful insights

Willingness to ask questions, take initiative, and be inventive

Emerging partnership and teamwork skills and ability to learn from and share knowledge with co-workers in a rapidly moving environment

High level of integrity, ability to deal with ambiguity, and takes initiative/self-directed

Evidence of strong character with integrity, honesty, accountability, and trust

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.

Total Rewards | 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.

Accommodations

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