General Motors

Lead Development & Validation Engineer

General Motors • $110K — $130K *
Warren, MI 48089In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
  • 5+ years in propulsion, battery/RESS, or vehicle electrical systems development and validation with technical leadership experience.
  • Proven experience planning and leading complex electrical test programs in safety-critical environments.
  • Deep working knowledge of DFMEA and experience driving test/analysis priorities and design decisions using risk tools.
  • Ability to synthesize complex data into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Define the development and validation strategy for RESS electrical systems across multiple programs.
  • Develop testing strategies for virtualization activities connected to electrical systems.
  • Translate program requirements and safety standards into integrated electrical test and analysis plans.
  • Make risk-based trade-offs and escalate issues to leadership with clear options and impacts.
  • Provide technical direction to engineers and lab personnel executing electrical tests and analyses.
  • Ensure completeness and soundness of failure modes, effects, causes, and controls in DFMEA ownership role.
  • Oversee the planning and execution of complex electrical tests, including functional safety and fault management.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for mentorship and coaching within a collaborative engineering environment.
  • Involvement in high-impact projects shaping electrical systems from concept through launch.
  • Access to continuous improvement initiatives for electrical test methods and technology.
  • Contribution to cross-functional teams ensuring robustness in electrical system design.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Lead Development & Validation Engineer - Electrical Systems is the senior technical lead for high-voltage and low-voltage propulsion electrical systems within the RESS Development & Validation organization.

This role sets direction for electrical Design Validation (DV)/ Production Validation (PV) strategy, owns critical test/analysis plans, and ensures that outcomes are tightly linked to Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and program risk burn-down. The engineer leads cross-functional alignment with Global Virtual Engineering (GVE), safety, program, and supplier teams while mentoring other engineers and driving method and capability growth.

Rough guideline: ~50% technical leadership/strategy and cross-functional coordination; ~50% high-impact technical work and oversight (rather than day-to-day execution on every test).

Key Responsibilities

Electrical System Strategy, Planning & Technical Direction
  • Define the development and validation strategy for RESS electrical systems across multiple programs.
  • Develop testing strategies to support virtualization activities.
  • Translate program requirements, safety standards, and DFMEA outputs into integrated electrical test and analysis plans, ensuring coverage across architectures and phases.
  • Make risk-based trade-offs on scope, timing, and methods, escalating issues and recommendations to leadership with clear options and impacts.
  • Provide technical direction to other engineers and lab personnel executing electrical tests and analyses; review and sign off on critical test plans and reports.


DFMEA Ownership & Risk-Based Prioritization for Electrical Systems
  • Serve as the senior electrical DFMEA owner for key domains: ensure failure modes, effects, causes, and controls are complete, current, and technically sound.
  • Define and maintain the electrical detection strategy (test and analysis) for high-risk DFMEA items; ensure each has a credible and executable prevention/detection path.
  • Lead regular DFMEA reviews with GVE, safety, and program teams to reprioritize tests/analyses as designs evolve, issues emerge, and new data arrives (e.g., field, warranty, read-across).


Technical Execution Oversight & Problem Solving
  • Oversee planning and execution of complex electrical tests (e.g., HV/LV functional safety, isolation/fault management, abuse/fault injections, support TRP evaluations).
  • Step in directly on the most complex or high-risk investigations, providing hands-on guidance in test design, instrumentation, data review, and root-cause analysis.
  • Integrate results from lab testing, simulation, and vehicle-level evaluations into cohesive technical narratives and recommendations for design and program leadership.


Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration
  • Represent electrical systems in cross-functional forums, design reviews, and workgroups, clearly articulating risks, mitigations, and readiness.
  • Partner closely with GVE virtual teams so electrical DV/PV and modeling are aligned (assumptions, correlation targets, and capability gaps).
  • Collaborate with safety, systems, software/controls, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure electrical system robustness from concept through launch.


People Leadership, Mentoring & Method Development
  • Mentor and coach engineers and lab staff on electrical system design, test methods, DFMEA usage, and sound engineering judgement.
  • Lead continuous improvement of electrical test methods, fixtures, instrumentation, automation, and standard work; champion adoption across teams.
  • Help shape capability roadmaps (tools, labs, training) for electrical systems within the RESS Development & Validation organization.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in propulsion, battery/RESS, or vehicle electrical systems development and validation, with demonstrated technical leadership.
  • Strong track record planning and leading complex electrical test programs and investigations in safety-critical environments.
  • Deep working knowledge of DFMEA or equivalent risk tools, with proven experience using them to drive test/analysis priorities and design decisions.
  • Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex data into clear technical recommendations for senior stakeholders.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with high-voltage automotive systems, isolation and fault-current management, functional safety standards, and diagnostics.
  • Prior ownership of DFMEAs and/or feature-level responsibility for critical electrical functions.
  • Familiarity with GVDP/GPDP and propulsion program governance (scorecards, PRTS, gate deliverables).
  • Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and influencing without formal people-management authority.


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 onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.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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