General Motors

Principal Software Engineer - Vehicle AI

General Motors • $238K — $365K *
Mountain View, CA 94040In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • 12+ years of software development, focusing on large-scale distributed systems.
  • Proficient in client-side Android architecture (Kotlin/Java) and cloud integration (microservices).
  • Strong track record of cross-functional technical leadership and alignment.
  • Expertise in client-server interactions and low-latency network communication.

Responsibilities

  • Define and own the architecture for the In-Vehicle AI Assistant platform.
  • Drive cross-functional technical strategies with various engineering teams.
  • Architect the hybrid edge-cloud orchestration layer for optimal performance.
  • Establish engineering standards for client-server communication.
  • Evaluate emerging AI/ML frameworks for integration into the ecosystem.
  • Unblock architectural dependencies across multiple engineering teams.
  • Drive testing and evaluation pipelines for system health and performance.

Benefits

  • Remote/hybrid work arrangement with flexibility to report on-site as required.
  • Eligibility for a company vehicle program after a successful motor vehicle report review.
  • Potential for relocation benefits depending on role and needs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Work Arrangement:
This role is categorized as Remote/hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Austin, TX, Mountain View, CA or Remote (Washington State) three times per week at minimum or other frequency dictated by the business.

The Role

General Motors is building the future of intelligent in-cabin experiences, and we are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to serve as a technical leader and authority for our next-generation In-Vehicle AI Assistant platform. Focused on cabin intelligence, voice interaction, and conversational AI, this role bridges the entire edge-to-cloud spectrum-spanning the Android Automotive OS (AAOS) client application layer, cloud AI orchestration pipelines, and backend service integration.

In this high-impact role based out of our Mountain View, CA or Seattle, WA offices, you will shape the multi-year technical vision for our in-cabin assistant platform. You will work extensively across cross-functional boundaries-aligning Cloud AI/ML, In-Cabin UX, Vehicle Platform, Security, and Infrastructure teams to build a cohesive, scalable ecosystem. If you excel at driving technical strategy across complex distributed systems and bringing clarity to large-scale engineering initiatives, this role offers an unmatched opportunity to define the assistant experience for millions of vehicles worldwide.

What You'll Do
  • Define and own the end-to-end architecture for GM's In-Vehicle AI Assistant platform across both the Android client application layer and cloud backend integration services.
  • Drive cross-functional technical strategy, collaborating with Cloud AI/ML, In-Cabin UX, Product Management, Security, and Data Engineering teams to align system boundaries and interface contracts.
  • Architect the hybrid edge-cloud orchestration layer, optimizing trade-offs between on-device latency, network bandwidth, cloud compute cost, and offline reliability.
  • Establish engineering standards and API protocols for high-performance, real-time client-server communication using gRPC and streaming audio/text interfaces.
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) agent frameworks, large language model orchestrators, and tool execution engines into the in-cabin assistant ecosystem.
  • Unblock critical architectural dependencies across multiple engineering pods, resolving complex trade-offs in system reliability, privacy, and data streaming.
  • Drive platform-wide testing, evaluation pipelines, and telemetry standards to measure end-to-end voice latency, response accuracy, and system health.
  • Mentor and grow Staff and Senior engineers across client and backend disciplines, fostering a culture of technical rigor and architectural excellence.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 12+ years of professional software development experience, with a proven track record of designing large-scale distributed systems spanning client applications and cloud microservices.
  • Broad technical depth across client-side Android architecture (Kotlin/Java) and backend cloud integration (microservices, REST, gRPC, streaming APIs).
  • Demonstrated history of cross-functional (XFN) technical leadership, driving architectural alignment and consensus across multiple engineering organizations.
  • Deep expertise in client-server interaction patterns, state synchronization, and low-latency network communication protocols.
  • Proven ability to define multi-year technical roadmaps and translate high-level product vision into concrete, scalable platform architectures.


What Can Give You a Competitive Advantage (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Technical domain expertise in conversational AI architectures, voice assistant frameworks, or agentic LLM orchestration layers.
  • Familiarity with Android Automotive OS (AAOS) applications or in-cabin system constraints.
  • Background in edge-cloud hybrid computing, including client-side machine learning execution and server-side model streaming.
  • Exceptional technical communication skills, with a track record of articulating complex architectural trade-offs to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.


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 ($238,700 - $365,700). 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.

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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.

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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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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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