Technical Specialist - Seat Plastics

About the Role

The Seat Plastics Technical Specialist (TS) is responsible for leading the development and definition of plastics content within a specific vehicle partition, with a primary focus on seating systems and related components.

This is a highly cross-functional role, serving as the subject matter expert for plastics within assigned BOM row(s) in the seat complete space. The scope includes injection-molded, blow-molded, compression-molded, and engineered plastic structures used in seat frames and components.

The role encompasses BOM row strategy, technology and knowledge management, structural BOM ownership, product safety engagement, global technical direction, peer review leadership, and development and maintenance of core DFMEA content for plastics. This position requires a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and comfort working in ambiguous environments .

Experience supporting seating systems through multiple vehicle development cycles and/or expertise in cost development, complexity optimization, and plastics manufacturing technologies is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

BOM Row Safety & Compliance – Plastics

• Own product safety and compliance for plastics-related BOM rows within seating systems, including structural and appearance components (frames, side shields, trim bezels, recliner covers, comfort components, etc.)
• Support field action analysis and product safety investigations involving plastic seat components
• Lead engagement in product safety processes, including evaluation of issues such as durability, fracture, odor, VOCs, emissions, and material performance
• Author or co-author Preventative Action Letters (PAL) following product investigations
• Ensure effective read-across of issues across current and legacy programs through the S-PRTS process

BOM Row Strategy – Seat Plastics

• Support development and approval of plastics BOM row strategy through the BOM Strategy Executive Team (BSET) , including deployment of global variant maps
• Define and drive complexity and content strategies across materials, processes, geometry families, and Corporate Common Components (CCC)
• Lead benchmarking, competitive analysis, and consumer insights to inform strategy (e.g., JDP, Compass, teardown studies)
• Drive data-informed decisions related to perceived quality, sustainability, and emerging material trends

BOM Row Knowledge & Standards – Plastics

• Define and maintain technical requirements (SSTS, CTS, GMW) for plastics within seating systems
• Lead development and maintenance of core DFMEA templates for plastics content, including manufacturing and design controls
• Develop and maintain best practices, design guidelines, KCDS, and ICD documentation for plastics design and manufacturing
• Support design reviews and peer reviews , ensuring robust closure of technical actions
• Develop and support business cases, AR planning, and funding strategies for plastics-related decisions (materials, tooling, cost optimization)

4. Product Innovation & Technology Advancement – Seat Plastics

• Support integration of plastics content within complete seat systems, including interfaces with metal, foam, trim, and electrical components
• Maintain core template DES content for plastics requirements
• Participate in supplier capability assessments and technical reviews for plastics processes and technologies
• Align plastics strategy to GVDP milestones (PFI → DSI → ESO → IDR → VDR), ensuring manufacturability and consistency
• Support early program development by applying BOM strategy to architecture and design decisions
• Approve technical content in engineering SOWs (eSOR) where applicable
• Lead advancement of new plastics technologies , including lightweighting, recycled materials, insert molding, and functional integration

Basic Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience (8+ years preferred), with direct experience in automotive plastics design and manufacturing
• Knowledge of GM engineering processes (GVDP, SSTS/CTS/GMW, DFMEA, KCDS, ICDs, peer reviews)
• Strong experience in seat system packaging and integration , including plastics interfaces with metal structures, foam, trim, and electrical systems
• Experience working with OEMs, suppliers, and toolmakers in plastics manufacturing
• Demonstrated problem-solving experience (e.g., DFSS Black Belt, Red X ) applied to plastics-related challenges such as warpage, dimensional variation, appearance, and durability