Vehicle safety lead

General Motors; Saint Paul (MN); Remote; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in automotive innovation seeks an AV Safety Case Lead to oversee safety case development for autonomous driving technology. This remote role involves strategic planning, team leadership, and collaboration with regulatory bodies to ensure safety standards are met. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's in Engineering, extensive program management experience, and a passion for self-driving technology. Join us in driving towards a future with zero crashes and zero emissions.

Qualifications

• 10 years of industry experience with proven program management skills.
• Experience leading complex, fast-paced programs.

Responsibilities

• Define vision and strategy for safety case completeness.
• Guide executives through decision-making processes.
• Manage program milestones and timelines.

Skills

Program Management

Consensus Building

Self-Motivation

Clarity Creation

Passion for Safety

Education

Masters in Engineering

MBA

Job description

Job Description

Remote: This role is categorized as remote. The successful candidate may be based anywhere in the United States and is not expected to report to a GM worksite unless directed by their manager.

The Role

The Safety Assurance for Effective Autonomous Driving Software (SAFE-ADS) department is part of the Global Product Safety, System, and Certification (GPSSC) organization at GM. This department serves as the central body for automated driving system (ADS) safety, bringing together expertise from across the company to establish a comprehensive safety case. GM's vision is zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion — AV safety is at the core of this vision.

Our scope spans several organizations across GM, requiring us to work directly with executive leaders, their teams, and strategic partners to build and deploy safe autonomous capabilities. As the AV Safety Case Lead, you will report directly to the head of AV Safety Strategy and Assessment, leading efforts across GM, engaging with regulatory bodies and external consultants to develop, deliver, and continuously improve the safety case for autonomous capabilities globally.

What You'll Do

Strategy and Execution

• Define the vision, strategy, and roadmap to achieve safety case completeness supporting the program launch.
• Establish program governance structure, support executive forums, escalate issues, and drive continuous safety case improvement.
• Guide executives and partners through decision-making processes to meet launch goals and maintain high safety standards.
• Lead a core team through safety case development and execution, potentially hiring direct reports as needed.
• Ensure team members operate as accountable sub-program leads with cross-functional support.
• Utilize various planning tools to synthesize requirements, evidence, and timelines, accommodating Agile and waterfall methodologies.
• Balance technical insights with intuition to develop resource strategies and adapt to new information.
• Manage program milestones and timelines, assisting teams in goal achievement.
• Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and facilitate conflict resolution.
• Develop processes that balance structure with flexibility.

Technical

• Use technical judgment with large engineering teams to resolve challenges and escalate as needed.
• Establish traceability from safety claims, argumentation, and evidence.
• Promote accountability through clear communication, follow-up, and metrics development.
• Demonstrate GM behaviors and safety professionalism in decision-making and activities.

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

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Masters in Engineering or similar
• 10 years of industry experience, with proven program management skills (technical preferred)
• Experience leading complex, fast-paced programs with broad scope and enterprise visibility
• Ability to build consensus across functions
• Self-motivated with a passion for developing teams and improving processes
• Comfortable in ambiguity, capable of creating clarity
• Passion for self-driving technology and safety

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or similar
• Technical experience with autonomous vehicles or similar products
• Experience in Safety Case development in robotics, aerospace, or transportation
• System engineering experience including requirements and conformance evaluation