Pallet Build Technician

Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt.

We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard — from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

The Pallet Build Technician supports engine development and validation by building, configuring, instrumenting, and maintaining engine test pallets and related test systems. The technician works with engineering and laboratory teams to execute documented work requests, prepare test articles for safe and reliable operation, identify and correct build issues, and maintain accurate electronic records. The role requires sound mechanical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while seeking guidance when needed.

What You’ll Do

• Build and instrument engine test pallets and related test systems in accordance with released build documentation, specifications, and formal work requests.

• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to understand functional requirements and implement approved mechanical or instrumentation changes.

• Install, remove, and modify engine, transmission, pallet, fixture, wiring harness, sensor, actuator, and fluid-system components as required for testing.

• Assist with engine and transmission setup and teardown, fixture installation, and movement of assemblies into or out of test-cell environments.

• Install and verify equipment such as fluid-conditioning units, coolant manifolds, flowmeters, power supplies, distribution equipment, and other test-support hardware when required.

• Fabricate or modify parts, components, adapters, and test fixtures to support engine, transmission, and vehicle validation or development activities.

• Perform pre-test and post-test checks of engine, pallet, and test-system assemblies; complete static checks and verify readiness for engineering review or testing.

• Recognize abnormal conditions, troubleshoot test setups, and perform repairs or corrective actions within the technician’s authority and training.

• Maintain accurate electronic records of build activities, work completion, issues, configuration changes, and test support in applicable company systems.

• Communicate build status, missing parts, risks, and technical concerns clearly to Team Leaders, Test Engineers, and other stakeholders.

• Maintain test-cell, pallet, fixture, and work-area cleanliness and readiness; use company resources responsibly and support continuous improvement.

• Follow all company safety, quality, environmental, fuel-handling, hazardous-material, and waste-disposal requirements.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Associate degree in Automotive Technology or another relevant technical field; ASE certification; equivalent skilled-trades training; or demonstrated equivalent experience.

• 3 or more years of experience in engine repair, engine building, engine teardown, engine development, test support, or a related technical area.

• Strong mechanical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to diagnose issues in a changing test-system environment.

• Working knowledge of gasoline and/or diesel internal-combustion engines, transmissions, and related test equipment.

• Experience installing and troubleshooting wiring harnesses, sensors, actuators, and other components used in engine or vehicle testing.

• Experience with test-cell operations, supporting infrastructure, fuel systems, fabrication, or machine-shop activities.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and written work instructions.

• Ability to use computers and common Microsoft applications for communication, documentation, and work tracking.

• Strong organization, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and customer-service skills.

• Ability to work with limited supervision, exercise sound judgment, and ask for direction when requirements or conditions are unclear.

• Ability to lift and handle items weighing up to 50 pounds, with appropriate assistance and equipment when required.

• Ability to complete all applicable company safety training, including high-voltage electrical safety training when required by the assignment.

• Work assigned off-shift schedules as required.

What Will Give you a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience supporting engine development, validation, emissions, or dynamometer testing.

• Experience with electronic test-management, work-request, or data-documentation systems.

• Experience with engine or dynamometer software such as PUMA, INCA, or Indicom.

• Experience with welding, precision fabrication, overhead cranes, hoists, or other lifting equipment.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, standardized work, root-cause problem solving, or continuous-improvement practices.

Working Environment

• Hands-on work in a laboratory, build-area, and test-cell environment.

• Regular standing, walking, reaching, and use of hand tools and test equipment.

• Work may involve engines, fuel, coolant, lubricants, exhaust systems, electrical equipment, and other test-related hazards; required personal protective equipment and safe-work practices must be followed.

• The technician may occasionally support activities in other GM laboratories or engineering areas based on business needs.

Success in This Role

Success means delivering safe, accurate, and on-time pallet builds; preventing avoidable rework; documenting work and issues clearly; responding effectively to engineering needs; and continuously improving build quality, readiness, and efficiency.

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.)

This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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

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 [email protected] or call us at 1-800-865-7580. 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.