General Motors

Principal Engineer - Propulsion Mechatronic Hardware

General Motors • $120K — $150K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
2 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering.
  • 12+ years in propulsion or vehicle systems engineering.
  • Expertise in internal combustion and electric/hybrid propulsion systems.
  • Experience in in-house design execution and hardware development.
  • Proven leadership in complex engineering projects.

Responsibilities

  • Define and evolve vehicle propulsion mechatronic hardware.
  • Set technical vision and strategy for propulsion systems.
  • Lead in-house design strategy and ensure execution quality.
  • Own end-to-end propulsion system integration.
  • Drive resolution of system-level issues.
  • Support vehicle development from concept through launch.
  • Align propulsion requirements with E/E architecture.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with flexibility.
  • Potential for relocation assistance.
  • Mentorship opportunities in engineering excellence.
  • Involvement in enterprise-level initiatives.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role:

The Principal Engineer - Propulsion Mechatronic Hardware provides technical leadership and system-level ownership for vehicle propulsion systems across advanced development and production programs. This role understands the end-to-end propulsion architecture, integrates mechanical, electrical, software, and control subsystems, and drives execution of highly complex, multi-domain mechatronic electrical control units engineering challenges that directly impact vehicle performance, safety, cost, and customer experience.

Operating as a principal-level technical authority across Propulsion, this role influences hardware strategy with vehicle, propulsion and electrical architecture decisions and partners closely with software, manufacturing, safety, and supplier ecosystems to shape GM's future propulsion technologies. The role also will oversee overall in house design activities and partner with product teams to develop strategies.

What You'll Do:

Propulsion Architecture & Technical Leadership
• Define and evolve vehicle propulsion mechatronic hardware, interface with electric drive systems, power electronics, energy delivery, thermal interactions, and controls integration.
• Set technical vision and strategy for propulsion mechatronic hardware, balancing performance, efficiency, durability, scalability, safety, and cost.
• Lead overall in house design strategy and ensure cross functional execution and problem solving are resolved on time with quality
• Serve as a technical authority in design reviews, issue resolution forums, product/safety investigations, and program decision checkpoints.

System Integration & Execution
• Own end-to-end propulsion system integration, ensuring alignment across mechanical, electrical, software, embedded compute, and control domains.
• Drive resolution of system-level issues that span propulsion, vehicle systems, E/E architecture, suppliers, or multiple vehicle programs.
• Support vehicle development from concept through launch, including requirements definition, validation, calibration, and system sign-off.
• Ensure propulsion architectures meet global regulatory, safety, and quality standards.

E/E & Embedded Architecture Alignment
• Partner with hardware and software architects to align propulsion requirements with vehicle compute, networking, and ECU strategies.
• Translate propulsion mechatronic hardware performance and control needs into hardware, network, and ECU design requirements working with cross functional teams
• Influence semiconductor, product team, and supplier roadmaps to support long-term propulsion strategy.

Cross-Functional Influence
• Collaborate with vehicle architecture, software, safety, manufacturing, quality, program management, and supply chain.
• Provide technical guidance to internal teams and suppliers and influence sourcing and technology decisions.
• Represent propulsion engineering in enterprise-level initiatives and executive forums.

Culture & Capability Building
• Act as a technical mentor and advisor to senior engineers.
• Champion best practices, lessons learned, and standardization.
• Foster a culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in propulsion or vehicle systems engineering.
• Deep expertise in internal combustion engines and electric or hybrid propulsion systems, controls, or system architecture.
• Experience in house design execution, schematic layout, hardware I/O development, electrical hardware development
• Proven ability to lead complex cross-platform engineering efforts

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
• Experience as a system owner or architecture lead on production programs.
• Deep expertise and experience executing
• Knowledge of automotive regulatory and functional safety standards.
• Track record of influencing enterprise-level technical direction.

Impact & Scope
• Decisions influence multiple vehicle programs and future propulsion platforms.
• Broad responsibility for vehicle performance, safety, reliability, and business outcomes.
• Recognized as a principal-level propulsion systems leader.

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.

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
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at General Motors

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Principal Engineer - Propulsion Mechatronic Hardware jobs:

NationwideWarren, MI