Staff Systems Engineer – AV Sensing Design

General Motors; Washington; Hybrid; USD 189,000 - 291,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer for its AV team to architect and integrate autonomous sensing across programs. You will lead trade studies, define sensor suites (camera, radar, lidar), and align with AI/ML, simulation, data collection, platform software, and vehicle integration teams.

You will drive data‑driven decisions in ambiguous spaces, mentor teammates, and ensure production‑level readiness while thriving in a hybrid work environment in Washington state.

Qualifications

• Degree in a technical field with strong sensor experience.
• Experience leading cross-functional, multi-discipline teams.
• Knowledge of multi-modality sensing (camera/radar/lidar) and sensor physics.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-level trade studies for multi-modality sensor designs.
• Develop detailed sensor performance specifications and risk assessments.
• Coordinate with simulation, vehicle integration, perception, and validation teams.
• Document decisions, trade-offs, and deliverables clearly.

Skills

Sensor systems

Cross-functional leadership

System architecture

Python/ Matlab

Self-driving awareness

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

Job Description

General Motors is developing hands-off and eyes-off autonomous driving systems intended for broad deployment across consumer vehicles. As part of this effort, GM is investing in sensors and architectures that can be integrated, validated, and operated reliably at scale across diverse vehicle programs and operating environments.

Job Description

General Motors is developing hands-off and eyes-off autonomous driving systems intended for broad deployment across consumer vehicles. As part of this effort, GM is investing in sensors and architectures that can be integrated, validated, and operated reliably at scale across diverse vehicle programs and operating environments.

We are seeking a staff systems engineer to join the AV team to provide technical leadership in defining how autonomous sensing systems are architected and integrated across GM’s autonomy programs. This role focuses on sensor suite design at the intersection of sensors, Perception, Behaviors, and vehicle integration, ensuring that sensing solutions are technically sound, aligned with product intent, and executable in production.

In this position, you will apply your specific areas of expertise to develop solutions to novel challenges as you lead system‑level trade studies, perform detailed analysis on individual sensors, and define multi-modality sensor suites spanning camera, radar, lidar, and more. You will work closely with AI/ML, simulation, data collection, platform software, and vehicle integration teams to address real engineering challenges. This role is for engineers who thrive in navigating ambiguous problem spaces and bring clarity to cross-functional teams with data-driven solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead system level trade studies for the design of multi-modality sensor systems supported by detailed modeling of performance and AV behavioral impacts
• Develop detailed performance specifications for sensors supported by a strong understanding of sensor physics and signal processing
• Assess performance against product needs to assess risk, quantify impact, and drive continuous improvement
• Work closely with cross-functional stakeholders such as simulation, vehicle integration, perception, localization, and validation teams to manage complex interdependencies
• Clearly document technical decisions, trade‑offs, and deliverables.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience with B.S. with significant sensor related experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience executing cross-functional initiatives across system architecture, data collection, analysis, integration, or other related activity
• Experience developing multi-modality sensing systems (camera, radar, lidar, or similar), their definition, usage, and integration
• Technical depth in signal processing, link analysis, or ML across at least one relevant sensing modality
• Understand the challenges of self-driving and how those map to sensor needs
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous problem spaces and drive technical alignment across teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate detailed technical information
• Working knowledge of Matlab, Python, or other languages to support data analysis and analysis tooling development

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master’s or PhD degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• Experience developing systems for occupantless self-driving autonomous vehicles or advanced remote sensing platforms
• Significant experience with automotive autonomy focused SPAD lidars and/or imaging radar data and failure modes
• Experience developing and leading system/component validation strategy, including use case definition, test protocol development, vehicle testing, HIL/SIL, simulation, and/or large‑scale data analysis
• Experience analyzing extrinsic calibration, pointing accuracy tolerance stacks, and similar concepts
• Autonomous vehicle behavior modeling and assessment
• Experience with sensor simulation model development

Compensation

The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

• The salary range for this role is 189,300 to 290,700. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
• Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits

• Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

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}. Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.

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.

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.