General Motors

2026 Summer Intern - Research and Development: Propulsion, Battery & Thermal Systems

Warren, Michigan, United States of America Full time

Job 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]. 

Start dates for this internship role are May 18 & June 15 of 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 create and develop groundbreaking designs and concepts. In this internship, you will plan and execute collaborative research to generate new knowledge and sophisticated technology for our vehicles.


In the Propulsion, Battery & Thermal Systems Research team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the research, innovation, and development of future electrification and propulsion technologies.

Our team focuses on propulsion, battery and thermal system architectures. We work on creating novel solutions for ICE, PHEV, and BEV vehicles with disruptive potential. We create battery systems that are robust to thermal runaway, can be fast-charged, and allow modular operation. We also create novel thermal management systems with lower content and improved efficiency. We design and build prototype proof-of-concept hardware for tomorrow’s vehicles. Join our world-class research team today if you want to make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people.


What You'll Do:

  • Synthesize novel designs and concepts

  • Conduct simulations to confirm the proposed functional improvements

  • Create lab prototypes to confirm simulation predictions

  • Integrate into vehicle systems as appropriate

  • Document and present results. Depending on the assignment, results could lead to external publications and/or intellectual property

  • Assist lab management in identifying mega trends in technology and business strategies in the automotive sector

  • 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 a second year Master’s student or currently pursuing PhD
  • Preferred degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Aeronautical Engineering
  • Strong theoretical and experimental skills
  • Previous research work experience in development of designs and technology transfer
  • 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 internship experience in automotive, technology, or manufacturing
  • Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills to effectively collaborate with varying levels of the organization as needed
  • Demonstrated leadership in field of study, extra-curricular activities orservice 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
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill sophisticated subjects to a wider audience
  • 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, takes initiative/self-directed
  • Evidence of strong character with integrity, honesty, accountability

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.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.