General Motors

Exterior Lighting Optical Engineer

General Motors$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in optical engineering, preferably in automotive lighting
  • Strong understanding of light propagation and optical design principles
  • Experience with electro-mechanical product development in cross-functional teams
  • Ability to interpret technical requirements across hardware and software
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a physics-based approach
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with Design, suppliers, and engineering teams to integrate optical solutions
  • Perform optical simulations to optimize lighting performance
  • Define and develop optical requirements for exterior lighting components
  • Lead development of Adaptive Driving Beam and other advanced lighting features
  • Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements and internal standards
  • Provide technical guidance on optical design and feasibility
  • Support vehicle integration and early concept development
  • Identify innovation opportunities based on market trends

Benefits

  • Eligible for relocation benefits
  • Hybrid work schedule allows flexibility and collaboration in a team environment
Full Job Description

Job Description

This role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the selected candidate will be expected to work on‑site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week (or other frequency determined by their manager). 

  • This role is eligible for relocation benefits

About the Role

As an Exterior Lighting Optical Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping the future of vehicle lighting by defining and developing advanced optical systems. You’ll partner cross-functionally with Design, Engineering, and suppliers to deliver innovative, high-performance lighting solutions.

This position offers the opportunity to deepen your technical expertise, influence in-house design capabilities, and contribute to cutting-edge technologies such as Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) systems.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with Design, suppliers, and internal engineering teams to integrate optical solutions into exterior lighting systems

  • Perform optical simulations and analyses to optimize lighting performance and appearance

  • Define and develop optical requirements for exterior lighting components

  • Lead development of Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) and other advanced lighting features, including virtual validation and vehicle-level testing

  • Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements and GM internal standards

  • Provide technical guidance to DREs, designers, and suppliers on optical design and feasibility

  • Support vehicle integration, packaging, and early concept development activities

  • Identify opportunities for innovation based on market trends and emerging technologies

  • Participate in vehicle development night drives and validation activities

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field

  • Minimum 5 years of optical engineering experience, preferably in automotive lighting

  • Strong understanding of light propagation, optical design principles, and lighting performance requirements

  • Experience developing electro-mechanical products in a cross-functional environment

  • Ability to create and interpret technical requirements across hardware and software systems

  • Strong problem-solving skills with a physics-based approach

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field

  • 10+ years of experience in exterior automotive lighting optical design

  • Experience with Tier 1 automotive suppliers or OEM lighting programs

  • Knowledge of lighting manufacturing processes and tooling considerations

  • Experience with global lighting regulations and compliance standards

  • DFSS Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification

#LI-JN1

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}. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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.

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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.

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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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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

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