Materials Engineer

GM Performance Power Units – Concord, NC


Materials Engineer


Department: Engineering

Job Summary:


We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Materials Engineer to join our high-performance engineering team developing the next generation of Power Units for Formula 1 racing. In this hands-on role, you’ll be responsible for materials selection and specification, creating and maintaining materials and process documentation, and testing, analysis, and characterization of power unit materials and components. Ideal candidates will have a passion for motosports, deep knowledge of material properties and processing, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities:


• Materials and Processes:


◦ Support design and simulation teams with selection and specification of materials and processes for Power Unit components based on mechanical, thermal, chemical, and fatigue properties and ensure compliance with motorsports governing body regulations and internal quality standards.


◦ Assist engineering in establishing non-destructive inspection methods, accept/reject criteria, first article and lot acceptance testing requirements, and supplier down-selection/qualification.


◦ Create and maintain material and process specifications and internal material libraries/databases.


• Manufacturing & Production Support:


◦ Advise on material compatibility with manufacturing processes such as machining, casting/forging, additive manufacturing, joining and surface treatment/coatings.


�� Support production teams by troubleshooting manufacturing defects, assisting with root cause analysis, and proposing corrective actions.


◦ Assist with the identification, development, requirements, and documentation of special processes (e.g., coatings, heat treating, joining).


• Laboratory Testing and Characterization


◦ Evaluate power unit components in a laboratory environment using analytical equipment including optical and scanning electron microscopy, chemical analysis methods, and macro/micro hardness testing to verify quality and conformance.


◦ Perform specimen preparation to inspect and evaluate material microstructures, surface morphology, coatings and surface treatments, and fractured components.


◦ Develop test plans to execute material testing in-house and/or through third-party testing facilities as required.


◦ Coordinate with Safety & Health to develop, document, and maintain standard laboratory practices and procedures and promote good housekeeping practices to always maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment.


◦ Generate high-quality test reports or summarize analysis findings in detailed, structured technical reports.

Required Qualifications:


• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.


• Experience:


◦ 3+ years in materials engineering, metallurgical engineering, or failure analysis/forensic materials investigation (motorsport, aerospace, or high-performance automotive preferred).


◦ Experience in materials selection and specification for high-performance applications.


◦ Familiarity with industry-standard specifications and materials testing techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:


◦ Strong understanding of material processing/structure/property relationships and fabrication methods in one or more areas including metallics, non-metallics, polymers/composites, adhesives/coatings, electronic materials, and additive manufacturing.


◦ Excellent technical writing and communication skills.


◦ Comfortable working in a fast-paced, confidential R&D environment with tight deadlines.

Why Join Us


You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and performance of a next-generation Formula 1 power unit. Our culture rewards precision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance.


Please note: GM Performance Power Units and all affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity employer(s). Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/posterscreenreader_optimized.pdf.


Only direct hires need apply to or inquire about job postings at GM Performance Power Units. We are not accepting calls, resumes or applications from recruiting firms at this time.