General Motors

Assistant Chief Engineer - Engine Programs

General Motors • $120K — $150K *
Pontiac, MI 48340In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • 10+ years of experience in engine engineering or propulsion product development
  • Broad experience in engine development, validation, calibration, and design release
  • Proven experience in production launch
  • Familiarity with engine manufacturing and assembly processes
  • Strong leadership in global, cross-functional engineering initiatives

Responsibilities

  • Lead the execution team to meet technical and business objectives for engine programs
  • Own execution deliverables including design, validation, and launch readiness
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between management and product teams
  • Drive technical issue resolution and coordinate recovery actions across teams
  • Balance performance, quality, and cost for optimal customer outcomes
  • Lead product and process reviews, ensuring robust technical analyses
  • Collaborate with various departments to align decisions and remove obstacles
  • Utilize data to inform corrective actions and support Continuous Product Improvement
  • Lead initiatives for cost reduction while maintaining essential customer attributes
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to engineering teams

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement, requiring in-office attendance at least 3 times a week
  • Opportunity for leadership development in a high-stakes environment
  • Exposure to cross-functional collaboration in a global setting
  • Potential for mentorship role to build future engineering talent
  • Access to data-driven decision-making resources
  • Engagement in continuous product improvement initiatives
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role

The Assistant Chief Engineer (ACE) - Engine Programs is a senior technical and program execution leader responsible for leading product execution for assigned engine programs and variants. This role is accountable for delivering technical requirements and business objectives, serving as a key interface across functions, ensuring execution quality and timing across design, development, validation, calibration, certification, launch, cost, quality and production.

The ACE is supported by direct team typically comprised of two Design Systems Engineers (DSEs), a Lead Engineer (LE) and an Application Engineer (AE) and bears people-leadership responsibilities for this team.

Success in this role requires deep engine-system expertise, problem-solving skills, strong business acumen, launch experience, and the ability to align technical, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, validation, calibration, and vehicle teams around a common plan.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the cross-functional engine product execution team to meet technical requirements and business objectives for assigned programs and major variants


  • Own product-integrated execution deliverables for assigned engines and vehicle applications, including design, development, validation, calibration, certification, launch readiness, and delivery to timing, cost, performance and quality targets


  • Serve as the key interface between senior management and the product team to ensure detailed design and release decisions remain aligned to program imperatives and business goals


  • Drive resolution of technical, build, test, and launch issues by surfacing risks early, framing clear options, and coordinating recovery actions across functions and regions


  • Balance engine performance, combustion, emissions, durability, drivability, NVH, manufacturing feasibility, quality, and cost to deliver the right customer and vehicle outcome


  • Lead product and process reviews, support change approval decisions, and ensure content changes, validation plans (AVDP&R), and ensure technical analyses are robust


  • Partner closely with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Finance, Quality, Validation, Calibration, Vehicle Teams, and suppliers to drive aligned decisions and remove roadblocks


  • Use DFMEA, PFMEA, warranty, field, and test data to drive containment, corrective action, and long-term robustness improvements across assigned engine programs leveraging the Quality-led CPIT (Continuous Product Improvement Team)


  • Lead value engineering, reuse, simplification, and DFM/DFA tradeoffs to achieve cost targets without compromising key customer attributes or launch readiness


  • Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and clear direction to Design System Engineers, Application Engineers, Lead Engineers, and extended cross-functional teams; build bench strength and future technical leaders


  • Communicate clearly and succinctly in technical and executive forums, using data to influence decisions and keep leadership informed on status, risk, and required actions


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering


  • 10+ years of relevant experience in engine engineering, propulsion product development, or closely related areas


  • Broad experience across several of the following areas: engine development/validation, calibration, design release, lead engineering, design systems engineering, manufacturing interface, and program execution


  • Proven production launch experience


  • Experience with engine manufacturing and assembly processes


  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, global, cross-functional engineering programs and deliver measurable results


What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field


  • Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior leadership in ambiguous, high-visibility situations


  • Demonstrated ability to develop talent, build inclusive teams, and strengthen organizational capability beyond direct program needs


  • Experience leading technical and business tradeoffs across multiple programs, regions, or major propulsion architectures


Leadership Profile

A successful Assistant Chief Engineer in the engine space is expected to operate beyond single-thread technical execution. They bring system-level engine mastery, strong cross-functional influence, disciplined risk management, customer-and-vehicle mindset, and the ability to grow future ACE and Chief-level talent while delivering high-stakes programs.

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}.The selected candidate will be required to travel

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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