General Motors

Electrical Hardware Engineer - Central Compute

General Motors • $90K — $136K *
Sunnyvale, CA 94087Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 2-5 years of experience in hardware design, electronics engineering, or embedded systems (including internships/co-ops).
  • Basic knowledge of digital electronics, microprocessors, and power supplies.
  • Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, USB, DDR).
  • Hands-on experience with lab equipment like oscilloscopes and multimeters.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

  • Support schematic design, component selection, and circuit implementation for central compute ECUs.
  • Perform electrical analysis including power distribution and signal integrity.
  • Assist in defining hardware requirements and interface specifications for critical components.
  • Participate in board bring-up activities and early prototype hardware debugging.
  • Execute bench-level testing for thermal performance and functionality validation.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and silicon partners on hardware and software integration.
  • Ensure designs comply with automotive standards and assist with validation traceability.

Benefits

  • Variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
  • Paid vacation and holidays alongside life insurance options.
  • Tuition assistance programs to further education.
  • Employee assistance program for personal and professional support.
  • GM vehicle discounts for employees.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role

General Motors is transforming the transportation industry through advanced electrical architectures, high-performance computing, and the integration of ADAS and infotainment capabilities. GM's Software-Defined Vehicle 2.0 (SDV2) platform is our next-generation centralized computing architecture. At the heart of this transformation is an in-house designed, liquid-cooled central compute unit, which is going to enable faster development cycles, more efficient software updates and seamless scalability across every GM brand.

As a Hardware Engineer - Central Compute, you will contribute to the design, development, and validation of next-generation high-compute ECUs that enable automated driving, vehicle intelligence, and immersive digital experiences.

This role is ideal for early-career engineers looking to grow within a world-class automotive organization.

Key Responsibilities

Hardware Design & Analysis
  • Support schematic design, component selection, and circuit implementation for central compute ECUs (ADAS/IVI).
  • Perform electrical analysis including power distribution, signal integrity, thermal considerations, and high-speed digital interface layout inputs.
  • Assist in defining hardware requirements and interface specifications for SoCs, PMICs, DDR memory, PCIe/Ethernet PHYs, power regulators, and safety components.


Bring-Up & Validation
  • Participate in board bring-up activities, including smoke testing, power-on sequencing, and debug of early prototype hardware.
  • Execute bench-level testing for signal integrity, voltage/current measurements, thermal performance, and functional validation.
  • Work with Staff and Senior engineers on root-cause analysis for hardware failures.


Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with silicon partners and internal engineering teams focused on Hardware, Software and/or Feature Development
  • Support coordination with software, systems, mechanical, EMC, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams.
  • Contribute to design reviews and documentation aligned with GM's Global Vehicle Development Process (GVDP).


Quality & Compliance
  • Ensure designs meet automotive standards including ISO 26262, AEC-Q100/200, EMC/EMI, design robustness, and manufacturability expectations.
  • Assist with DFMEA creation, test coverage planning, and hardware validation traceability.


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 2-5 years of experience in hardware design, electronics engineering, or embedded systems (internships/co-ops count).
  • Basic knowledge of:
    • Digital electronics, microprocessors, and power supplies
    • High-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, USB, DDR)
    • Schematic capture and PCB design principles
  • Hands-on experience using lab equipment (oscilloscope, multimeter, power supplies, logic analyzers).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with central compute, ADAS ECUs, infotainment, or embedded computing platforms.
  • Understanding of automotive electronics standards and design for reliability.
  • Exposure to EMC/EMI test practices or thermal analysis tools.
  • Experience with tools such as Microsoft Office, Mentor Xpedition, Mathcad or similar.
  • Effective communicator with willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.


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 actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position, as well as geography of the selected candidate.
• The salary range for this role is 90,000- 136,200. 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.

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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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