General Motors

Principal Software Engineer - Vehicle AI

General Motors • $216K — $331K *
Mountain View, CA 94040Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, including 3+ years in a technical leadership role.
  • Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) and Python.
  • Demonstrated success in shipping commercial software in automotive infotainment, robotics, or embedded systems.
  • Hands-on experience optimizing and deploying ML models on edge hardware.
  • Deep understanding of POSIX-compliant operating systems or RTOS (QNX, VxWorks).
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field like Computer Science or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

  • Design scalable, secure, and real-time software architectures for AI-driven automotive features.
  • Lead the deployment and optimization of machine learning models on resource-constrained edge devices.
  • Oversee integration of AI pipelines with infotainment operating systems like Android Automotive OS.
  • Collaborate with product managers and hardware engineers to align features with compute constraints.
  • Mentor senior engineers and establish best practices for code quality and system performance.
  • Rapidly prototype AI concepts and evaluate emerging frameworks.

Benefits

  • Participation in a company vehicle evaluation program with the option to drive a GM vehicle.
  • Potential for relocation benefits if necessary.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Work Arrangement: Remote: This role is based remotely but if you live within a 50-mile radius of Mountain View, you are expected to report to that location three times a week, at minimum.

The Role

As a Principal Software Engineer in the Vehicle AI division, you will be the technical cornerstone of our smart cabin initiatives. You will architect, design, and deploy low-latency, high-performance AI software that runs directly on edge hardware within the vehicle.

You won't just be writing code; you will define the technical roadmap, mentor senior engineers, and collaborate across hardware, UI/UX, and vehicle software teams to bring intelligent features-like natural language voice assistants, driver monitoring systems (DMS), and predictive cabin personalization-to life.

What You'll Do
  • Architectural Leadership: Design scalable, secure, and real-time software architectures for AI-driven features running on automotive-grade compute platforms (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis, NVIDIA DRIVE).
  • Edge AI Optimization: Lead the deployment and optimization of machine learning models (LLMs, computer vision, audio processing) for resource-constrained edge devices using TensorRT, ONNX, or similar frameworks.
  • System Integration: Oversee the integration of AI pipelines with foundational infotainment operating systems, particularly Android Automotive OS (AAOS) and QNX.
  • Cross-Functional Strategy: Partner with product managers, data scientists, and hardware engineers to balance feature ambition with compute constraints.
  • Mentorship & Excellence: Elevate the engineering culture by establishing best practices for code quality, CI/CD, rigorous testing, and system performance profiling. Set the standard for technical excellence within the division.
  • Prototyping: Rapidly prototype new AI concepts and evaluate emerging frameworks to keep GM at the cutting edge of automotive technology.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Experience: 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, with at least 3+ years in a technical leadership or architectural role.
  • Programming: Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) and Python.
  • Domain Expertise: Proven track record of shipping commercial software in automotive infotainment, robotics, consumer electronics, or other deeply embedded systems.
  • AI/ML Deployment: Hands-on experience optimizing and deploying ML models to edge hardware (NPU/GPU/DSP utilization, quantization, pruning).
  • OS Knowledge: Deep understanding of POSIX-compliant operating systems, Linux internals, or RTOS (QNX, VxWorks).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).


What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred

Qualifications)
  • Extensive experience with Android Automotive OS (AAOS), specifically Vehicle HAL (VHAL) and native C++ services.
  • Experience building or integrating advanced Voice Assistants (ASR, NLU, TTS) or Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) into embedded environments.
  • Familiarity with automotive functional safety standards (ISO 26262, ASIL) and cybersecurity protocols.
  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Embedded Systems.


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 compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of the California Bay Area.
  • The salary range for this role is ($216,400 - 331,600). 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.


Company Vehicle: Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate. Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.

This Job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

#LI-SA2
This role is based remotely, but if the selected candidate lives within a specific mile radius of a GM hub, they will be expected to report to the location three times a week {or other frequency dictated by your 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.

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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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