Lead Development & Validation Engineer – Transmission, PHEV, & Hybrid Systems

General Motors LLC; Pontiac (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors' Global Propulsion Development & Validation team in Pontiac, MI is seeking a Lead Development & Validation Engineer to plan and execute hardware-level testing for transmission, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid programs. You will analyze results and identify opportunities to reduce physical testing through analysis and virtual engineering.

Required: bachelor’s degree in engineering and 7+ years of automotive experience, with 5+ years in powertrain testing/validation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of engineering experience in the automotive or related industry.
• At least 5 years of powertrain or electrification experience in testing, calibration, hardware development, or validation.
• Proficiency with computers and data-acquisition systems.
• Ability to deliver results with minimal direction, supported by strong planning and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, including mentoring others and presenting to senior leaders.
• Project management experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently, collaborate effectively, and build peer relationships.
• Ability to travel for offsite testing, up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Development & Validation point of contact for assigned transmission, PHEV, or hybrid program teams.
• Own the Development & Validation portion of the ADV plan, including calibration controls, mechanical, lubrication and venting, oil management, and system-level plans.
• Align plans and timing with product changes.
• Initiate and coordinate testing to verify functional hardware requirements and calibrations, prioritizing resources as needed.
• Represent Development & Validation at program reviews and forums, including PAPIR, PDT, CPIT, BRT, VPIT, and ERP; lead ADV meetings.
• Incorporate analysis where appropriate to reduce hardware dependencies and support the migration of testing to Global Virtual Engineering.
• Develop budgets and submit material requests (eSpecs, GVBR, and related requests) to ensure builds have the required content.
• Identify and lead updates to CTS, SSTS, VTS (e.g., GMW) technical specifications and requirements based on Development & Validation needs.
• Lead resolution of vehicle, plant, and customer issues.
• Provide input to portfolio studies involving anticipated or approved product-plan changes.
• Lead test-plan execution on prototype properties, assess results against requirements, and deliver reports documenting findings.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Problem solving

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Eng

Tools

ETAS INCA

CAN

vSpy

Jira

Job description

Job 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. Join GM’s Global Propulsion Development & Validation team as a Lead Development & Validation Engineer. Based at the Pontiac Engineering Center, you will plan and execute hardware-level testing for transmission, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid programs; analyze results; and identify opportunities to reduce physical testing through analysis and virtual engineering. Success in this role calls for sound judgment, initiative, and strong collaboration across teams.

What you’ll do

• Serve as the Development & Validation point of contact for assigned transmission, PHEV, or hybrid program teams.
• Own the Development & Validation portion of the ADV plan, including calibration controls, mechanical, lubrication and venting, oil management, and system-level plans.
• Align plans and timing with product changes.
• Initiate and coordinate testing to verify functional hardware requirements and calibrations, prioritizing resources as needed.
• Represent Development & Validation at program reviews and forums, including PAPIR, PDT, CPIT, BRT, VPIT, and ERP; lead ADV meetings.
• Incorporate analysis where appropriate to reduce hardware dependencies and support the migration of testing to Global Virtual Engineering.
• Develop budgets and submit material requests (eSpecs, GVBR, and related requests) to ensure builds have the required content.
• Identify and lead updates to CTS, SSTS, VTS (e.g., GMW) technical specifications and requirements based on Development & Validation needs.
• Lead resolution of vehicle, plant, and customer issues.
• Provide input to portfolio studies involving anticipated or approved product-plan changes.
• Lead test-plan execution on prototype properties, assess results against requirements, and deliver reports documenting findings.
• Follow all safety policies and make safety the top priority in every activity.
• Mentor Development, Calibration, Validation, TRACK engineers, and co-ops.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of engineering experience in the automotive or a related industry.
• At least 5 years of powertrain or electrification experience in testing, calibration, hardware development, or validation.
• Proficiency with computers and data‑acquisition systems.
• Ability to deliver results with minimal direction, supported by strong planning and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, including mentoring others and presenting to senior leaders.
• Project management experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently, collaborate effectively, and build peer relationships.
• Ability to travel for offsite testing, up to 15%.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience in DRE, calibration, controls, development, validation, or integration.
• DFMEA experience.
• Experience with ETAS INCA, CAN, vSpy, and Jira.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety policies and regulatory testing requirements.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes and requirements flow-down.
• Knowledge of the PRTS+ system and its principles.
• Familiarity with Red-X, DFSS, or other formal problem‑solving methods.

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 hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

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.

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 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.

We are leading the change to make our world better, safer and more equitable for all through our actions and how we behave. Learn more about: Our Company Our Culture How we hire Our diverse team of employees bring their collective passion for engineering, technology and design to deliver on our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. We are looking for adventure‑seekers and imaginative thought leaders to help us transform mobility. Explore our global locations We are determined to lead change for the world through technology, ingenuity and harnessing the creativity of our diverse team. Join us to help lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable by becoming a member of GM’s Talent Community (avature.net). As a part of our Talent Community, you will receive updates about GM, open roles, career insights and more.