Summer Intern – Research and Development, Physical Metallurgist, Steels

General Motors

. Innovate in steel metallurgy for next-generation vehicle and manufacturing applications .

Posted 10/12/2026internshipWarren • Michigan • United StatesEntry LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in physical metallurgy and advanced steel processing, with a strong ability to connect alloy chemistry, processing conditions, microstructure, and performance. Proficient in conducting and interpreting mechanical testing and characterizing steel microstructures using advanced techniques.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Advanced Degree In Materials Science And EngineeringPhysical Metallurgy ExpertiseThermo-Mechanical Processing ExperienceMetallographic Characterization SkillsMechanical Testing Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Alloy DesignHeat TreatmentMicrostructure DevelopmentPhase TransformationsMechanical Properties EvaluationThermo-Mechanical ProcessingMetallographic PreparationDurability TestingData-Driven ModelingStructure-Property Relationships

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCollaboration In Multidisciplinary TeamsMentoring Abilities

Tools & Technologies

Optical MicroscopySEMEDSEBSDX-Ray DiffractionHardness TestingDilatometry

Industry Keywords

Steel MetallurgyFerrous MaterialsAdvanced High-Strength SteelsUltra-High-Strength SteelsHigh-Strength Low-Alloy SteelsElectrical SteelsPress-Hardening SteelsPhase DiagramsKineticsCrystallography

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ElectronRay

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Innovate in steel metallurgy for next-generation vehicle and manufacturing applications
Propose new research directions, establish technical research plans, and lead collaborative studies
Conduct research spanning alloy design, thermo-mechanical processing, heat treatment, microstructure development, characterization, and performance validation
Generate insights into relationships among steel composition, processing history, phase transformations, microstructure, mechanical properties, durability, joining behavior, formability, and manufacturability
Guide experimental efforts and accelerate materials down-selection
Translate metallurgical research into practical solutions for vehicle structures, closures, chassis systems, safety components, and manufacturing processes
Plan and execute collaborative research in physical metallurgy and ferrous materials
Develop and apply composition–process–structure–property relationships for advanced steels
Investigate phase transformations, recrystallization, precipitation, recovery, grain refinement, hardenability, residual stress, and damage mechanisms
Design and evaluate thermo-mechanical processing and heat-treatment strategies
Characterize steel microstructures and defects using optical, electron, diffraction, chemical, thermal, and mechanical methods
Evaluate tensile, fatigue, fracture, impact, formability, wear, corrosion, and other performance characteristics
Partner with manufacturing and engineering teams on forming, joining, coating, corrosion, dimensional stability, and production-readiness challenges
Connect experimental observations with thermodynamic, kinetic, computational, and data-driven models
Drive internal and external collaborations with GM teams and research partners
Prepare technical reports, presentations, publications, and invention disclosures
Generate intellectual property and mentor other employees

Requirements

What you’ll need

Pursuit of an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field
Must be a current student
Strong foundation in physical metallurgy, iron–carbon metallurgy, phase diagrams, phase transformations, kinetics, crystallography, and structure–property relationships
Experience with steels such as advanced high-strength steels, ultra-high-strength steels, high-strength low-alloy steels, stainless steels, electrical steels, press-hardening steels, or related ferrous alloys
Experience with thermo-mechanical processing and heat treatment, including rolling, forging, annealing, quenching, tempering, aging, or press hardening
Experience with metallographic preparation and characterization using optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, EBSD, X-ray diffraction, hardness testing, dilatometry, or related methods
Experience designing, conducting, and interpreting mechanical or durability testing, including tensile, fatigue, fracture, impact, formability, or corrosion testing
Ability to connect alloy chemistry, processing conditions, microstructure, and performance using rigorous scientific methods
Experience working in multidisciplinary research teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills to work effectively with GM internal and external collaborators
Able to work fulltime, 40 hours per week during the summer months
Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to export control restrictions
Must not require GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future, including H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, or J-1 support

Benefits

Comp & perks

One-time lump sum taxable stipend payment to eligible students selected for the 2027 Student Program to help facilitate relocation benefits
Hybrid work arrangement
Opportunities to collaborate with GM engineering teams, universities, suppliers, national laboratories, and research partners
Mentorship and development through assisting and mentoring other employees
Total Rewards resources supporting well-being at work and at home