Two internships. Two TRACK rotations. One road to a successful future as a world-class manufacturing engineer.
Fueled by a passion for innovation, a sense of adventure, and precise mechanical logic, Hunter Bondy has built his own unique foundation at GM through several meaningful early career experiences.
See how Hunter took the wheel of his career – and how the TRACK program can help you do the same – in our interview below.
How did you get on the right TRACK at GM?
Back in summer 2020, I heard that GM was making masks at the Warren Transmission Operations plant in Michigan to support COVID relief. I wanted to help, so I applied.
I worked on the ultrasonic weld line, welding the ear bands onto the masks. I could make about 2,300 in an eight-hour shift.
That’s a big accomplishment.
What’s more inspiring was to see a huge plant like Warren pivot from transmission production to making masks for public health safety.
That’s when I realized what GM’s culture is all about.
Did this experience lead to your first internship?
Yes. While I was at Warren, I met people in Global Propulsion Systems who encouraged me to apply for an internship.
In summer 2021, I joined the team at Pontiac as my first rotation in the summer intern.
How was your time on the Pontiac team?
I worked with the Electric Drive Unit team, focusing on stack-up analysis. I learned how to use all the essential tools. This encouraged me to come back in summer of 2022, where I was at the Romulus Transmission plant.
After graduating from Michigan Tech in 2023, I came back as part of the TRACK program.
What was your first rotation in the TRACK program like?
For the first six months, I was at the Warren Tech Center working with the central Gears and Shafts Group. After that, I came down here to Toledo where we're launching Gears and Shafts production for all of the new electric truck drive units.
How do the rotations work in the engineering function of the TRACK program?
For the Manufacturing Engineering TRACK program, the rotations are roughly six-to-eight months. What’s cool is, you can make it whatever you want it to be.
During meetings with my manager, we’d discuss how my rotation was going.
I was honest. I told them that while I liked the gears that I was a part of for the first six months, I really missed the hands-on experience that I got from the Romulus plant.
What did sharing this insight with your manager lead to?
For my next rotation, I moved down to Toledo to work with gears in the hands-on side. It’s been about a year now that I’ve been in the same TRACK rotation.
These experiences gave me more exposure to different work areas and projects so I could find out if this is where I could see myself. Those two summer internships helped me get more out of school when I’d go back in the fall. Nothing can beat real-world experience.
Which rotation has been the most exciting so far?
Being on the execution team for the Gears and Shafts in Toledo.
I learn best by doing. I have a hand in the machining operations for gears, and at the end of the day I can see them assembled. I can point to a drive unit and say, “Hey, I had something to do with the gear set that just went into that.”
Any idea of where you’ll go next?
I'm actually staying here in Toledo and transitioning into a group leader role.
That’s great! Group leader experience can be very valuable. What excites you about the auto industry?
There's never a dull moment. So much drive for innovation – to make things better, faster, and higher quality.
What are your goals in the next few years at GM, post-TRACK?
Keep pushing my boundaries, learning new things, and stepping out of my comfort zone.
I also want to use GM's college assistance program so I can work towards a more advanced degree in engineering.
How’s your work-life balance?
Having an outlet to de-stress outside of work helps a lot. For me, it’s running and biking.
On the running side, I've gotten into the ultra-marathon space – running distances longer than a traditional marathon.
In 2024, I ran a 62-mile trail race up in Marquette called the Marji Gesick and finished that in about 18 hours. I’m proud of that.
Any other hobbies you love?
At Michigan Tech, I would go outdoors in the winter to snowmobile or ice fish.
I also like to tinker with stuff in the garage. I'm always looking for a new project to tear apart, re-build, and fix up.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?
I’d say our execution rule here in Toledo, which is a good (and very important) challenge.
It’s a constant balance between “getting the process right” and “doing it fast.” That means aligning all variables to a point where we can start production on schedule, ensuring we don’t cut any corners to maintain GM’s high-quality standards.
Why is GM a place where early career talent can thrive?
The level of support. Most supervisors or managers I’ve had were either in TRACK or interned here before. They relate to where I'm coming from.
What lessons have you learned at GM?
- Work towards a shared goal with your team.
- Take the full value out of every conversation or every meeting.
- Get the most out of every single connection you make.
Which GM Behavior is your favorite and why?
I’d say “Own the Outcome”.
Each Drive Unit Gear team at Toledo has to get their own processes running to overcome unique challenges before the assembly line can run. We embody this behavior every day.
What’s your advice for someone considering applying for the intern or TRACK programs at GM?
Do it! There’s lots of room and flexibility to explore.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I'd like to thank everyone that’s helped me along my career path so far – whether it was someone during a summer internship or the TRACK program. It’s been a great ride, and I look forward to what’s next.
Looking to jumpstart your career after college?
Find out more about the TRACK program and see how other members found their own path to success.
By Haleigh DeForest and Stephen Harber, Talent Marketing
