General Motors

Hardware Engineering Manager, Digital Key (Phone as a Key)

General Motors$130K — $180K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in hardware development for automotive or consumer electronics.
  • 2+ years in a technical leadership role or strong matrix management experience.
  • Proven experience with board-level hardware design and testing for embedded systems.
  • Demonstrated ownership of hardware from concept through launch.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of hardware engineers for Digital Key component development.
  • Drive sourcing and supply chain alignment with Purchasing and Commodity Teams.
  • Develop specifications and schematic layouts for all Digital Key components.
  • Conduct design reviews including PCB layout and FMEA licensing.
  • Manage hardware bring-up and in-vehicle performance testing.
  • Resolve hardware issues swiftly through root-cause analysis.
  • Represent the hardware team in program and leadership reviews.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work flexibility, allowing a balanced work-life environment.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading automotive firm.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge technology projects in automotive connectivity.
Full Job Description
Job Description
The Ideal Candidate

Connectivity plays a pivotal role in using and advancing technology to offer unparalleled customer experience and develop revenue generating streams while acting as a cornerstone to offer safety critical, hands-free driving solutions in line with General Motor's strong safety culture. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Hardware Engineering Manager, Digital Key to join our team, focused on developing best-in-class automotive connectivity systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in developing digital key hardware from the ground up and successfully integrating across multiple vehicle platforms.

Role Summary

The Digital Key Hardware Engineering Manager will lead a team of 4-5 hardware engineers responsible for development of specifications and PCB schematic layouts, sourcing of a component manufacturer, board bring up and hardware testing, FMEAs, vehicle packaging and integration, and subsystem hardware performance verification required to deliver GM's end-to-end Digital Key system. This role will own the hardware lifecycle from concept through launch and post-launch support, ensuring robust, scalable solutions that meet performance, cost, quality, and timing targets across multiple vehicle programs.

The ideal candidate combines strong people leadership, deep hardware design and test experience, and a solid understanding of wireless technologies used for Digital Key (e.g., UWB, BLE, NFC, secure elements, antennas, and in-vehicle modules).

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead a team of 4-5 hardware engineers focused on development of Digital Key hardware components.
  • Drive sourcing of CM (component manufacturer) with Purchasing and internal Commodity Teams to align on cost, timing, and robust supply chain resiliency.
  • Drive specification and schematic development for all Digital Key components (performance, RF, power, security, regulatory, vehicle interfaces, etc).
  • Drive design reviews for PCB layout, FMEA/FMEDA, DFM, vehicle packaging, etc.
  • Drive hardware bring-up and in vehicle system test plan development and execution to ensure component and in-vehicle performance meet specifications.
  • Drive hardware issue resolution to ensure issues are quickly triaged, root-caused, and resolved.
  • Represent hardware team in program reviews, gateway readiness reviews, and leadership updates.
  • Align closely with cross functional teams from Product, Software, Quality, and Vehicle Teams on feature roadmap and development status.
Required Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in hardware development for automotive, consumer electronics, or related industries.
  • 2+ years of experience in a technical leadership or people manager role (formal or strong matrix leadership).
  • Proven experience with board-level hardware design and testing for embedded systems, microcontrollers, and wireless technologies (UWB, BLE, NFC)
  • Demonstrated ownership of hardware from concept through launch, including supplier engagement and cross-functional alignment.
  • Strong communication skills with experience presenting technical content and trade-offs to leadership.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edges
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • Experience in automotive hardware development.


#LI-JK3
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.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who drive success at General Motors.

Job Alert Emails

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
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at General Motors

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Hardware Engineering Manager, Digital Key (Phone as a Key) jobs: