Principal Engineer, ADAS Camera Systems & Perception Integration

Aimlroles; Kentucky; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors seeks a Principal Engineer to define the technical direction for next-generation automotive camera systems supporting viewing, active safety, ADAS, and automated driving. You will lead architectures, standards, and supplier engagement from concept to production.

You will mentor engineers, drive reusable methods, and shepherd programs with strong cross-functional leadership and traceable requirements.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience designing or leading automotive camera systems
• Deep knowledge of optics, image sensors, camera electronics, image quality, calibration, signal processing
• Experience translating system needs into camera requirements and verification plans

Responsibilities

• Define camera architectures and design principles for optics, sensors, processing, interfaces, calibration, diagnostics and cost
• Evaluate camera performance across perception systems, image quality, latency, FOV, DR, synchronization and operating conditions
• Shape camera sourcing, partner and industrialization strategies including production test and calibration
• Govern roadmaps and lead advanced development from feasibility through transition to production
• Coach engineers and build reusable standards, models, and methods

Skills

Senior camera systems leadership

Optics expertise

Image sensors

Calibration & QA

Perception interfaces

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in optics or related

Job description

Job Description

General Motors is seeking a Principal Engineer to define the technical direction for next-generation camera systems supporting Viewing, Active Safety, ADAS, and automated-driving applications.

This role combines deep camera-system expertise with systems engineering, perception integration, supplier engagement, manufacturing readiness, and technical leadership. You will help establish scalable camera architectures, improve engineering rigor, and guide products from concept through production.

What you will do

• Define camera architectures and design principles covering optics, image sensors, image quality, processing, interfaces, calibration, diagnostics, environmental robustness, packaging, safety, cybersecurity, manufacturability, and cost.


• Evaluate camera performance across perception systems, image quality, latency, field of view, dynamic range, synchronization, and operating conditions.


• Shape camera sourcing, partner, and industrialization strategies, including production test, calibration, quality controls, cost, and field performance.


• Govern technology roadmaps and lead advanced-development projects from feasibility through validated recommendations and transition to product development.


• Coach Lead Design Responsible Engineers and technical specialists while building reusable standards, models, templates, and engineering methods.

Key outcomes

• Reusable camera architectures and design guidance across vehicle programs.


• Clear, traceable camera and interface requirements aligned with perception, vehicle, safety, validation, and supplier needs.


• Trusted camera models and performance methods for early architecture decisions and risk reduction.


• Stronger technical-review discipline and faster issue closure.


• A fact-based camera ownership, sourcing, and industrialization strategy.


• Advanced projects that deliver reusable technical outcomes.

What you bring

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in optics, electrical, computer, systems engineering, or a related discipline.


• 15+ years of experience designing or leading automotive camera systems or related ADAS sensing products through production launch.


• Deep knowledge of optics, image sensors, camera electronics, image quality, calibration, signal processing, and perception interfaces.


• Experience translating system and perception needs into camera requirements and verification plans.


• Experience with supplier engagement, manufacturing readiness, design-for-manufacturing, production test, calibration, PPAP, or field-performance feedback.


• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority.

Preferred experience

• Camera modeling, image-quality metrics, sensor characterization, ISP or post-processing, active alignment, or automated test systems.


• Perception systems, driver monitoring, occupant monitoring, or related in-cabin sensing.


• Camera platform roadmaps, reusable architectures, component strategies, and supplier technical relationships.


• Global engineering leadership, mentoring, patents, or production innovations that improved performance, cost, quality, or manufacturing efficiency.

How you will lead

You will bring technical depth, systems thinking, sound judgment, transparent decision-making, and a commitment to developing people and reusable engineering capability. You will balance near-term program execution with long-term technology and platform development.

The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.

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.)

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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.

Accommodations

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