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

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.

• →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.

• 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%.

• 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.

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.

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.

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