General Motors

Staff Software Engineer - Embedded Software Platform

General Motors$147K — $196K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant technical field or equivalent practical experience
  • 15+ years of software system development, integration, or validation experience
  • Deep understanding of embedded and real-time software architecture
  • Demonstrated success leading complex technical initiatives across diverse teams
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in action-oriented settings
  • Proficiency in Python and at least one additional engineering language
  • Experience with technologies related to embedded systems, CI/CD, and cloud solutions

Responsibilities

  • Own architecture and execution strategy for significant platform capabilities
  • Lead technical efforts from problem definition to operationalization
  • Establish standards and reusable patterns for engineering efficiency
  • Make architectural decisions in complex embedded environments
  • Use data to drive improvements in reliability and developer productivity
  • Influence and align cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority
  • Provide hands-on guidance and mentorship to engineering teams

Benefits

  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and parental leave
  • Healthcare, dental, and vision benefits
  • Life insurance coverage for employees and their families
  • Retirement savings with company contributions to a Defined Contribution Pension plan
  • GM Vehicle Purchase Plan available for employees and their families
Full Job Description
Job Description

Vacancy Status:

This posting is not for an existing vacancy within the organization and is open to new applications.

AI Disclosure:

As part of the application process, Artificial Intelligence will be used in the hiring process for this role

Work Arrangement:

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Markham or Oshawa office three times per week, at minimum.

The Role:

General Motors is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to shape and scale the engineering platforms that build, test, integrate, validate, and deliver embedded software for software-defined vehicles. This role is for a hands-on technical leader who can turn ambiguous, cross-team problems into durable architecture, practical standards, and measurable improvements in engineering effectiveness, release confidence, and product quality.

The successful candidate will lead a major capability across multiple teams, influence technical direction beyond their immediate organization, and connect software, tooling, infrastructure, test, and release activities into a coherent engineering system. The role may align to one or more of the four specialization areas below.

Expectations and Impact:

  • Own the architecture, technical roadmap, and execution strategy for a significant platform capability or a set of related initiatives.
  • Lead high-impact, multi-team technical efforts from problem definition through adoption and operationalization.
  • Establish reusable patterns, standards, quality controls, and developer experiences that improve consistency and speed across teams.
  • Make sound architectural decisions in complex embedded, real-time, cloud, simulation, test, and release environments.
  • Use engineering data and operational signals to prioritize improvements in reliability, feedback time, quality, and developer productivity.
  • Influence without relying on direct authority; align engineering, validation, cybersecurity, cloud, quality, program, and supplier stakeholders.
  • Remain hands-on in the most difficult technical problems while enabling others through coaching, mentoring, documentation, and technical leadership.
  • Communicate tradeoffs, risks, progress, and recommendations clearly to senior engineering and program leaders.


Specialization Areas:

1. Virtualization and CI infrastructure

Define and evolve the platform used to build, test, and deploy virtualized vehicle software across embedded, simulation, and cloud environments. Work may include enterprise CI/CD architecture, GitOps delivery on Kubernetes, Terraform and infrastructure-as-code patterns, progressive delivery and rollback, artifact flows, security and compliance integration, and observability for pipelines and simulation workloads.

Virtualization- specific basic qualifications
  • Experience designing or delivering CI/CD platforms for embedded, simulation, or cloud workloads.
  • Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Terraform or comparable infrastructure-as-code practices, and production cloud environments.
  • Experience with embedded or simulation workflows such as vECUs, SIL, FMU, or SSP.
  • Ability to translate platform architecture into reusable automation, standards, and operational practices.


2. Continuous integration and quality gating

Architect traceable delivery flows that safely move software and related inputs from pull request through component, system, virtual, physical, and release validation. Work may include GitHub Enterprise workflows, artifact promotion, dependency and configuration management, mainline protection, tiered quality gates, test-evidence policy, embedded and vehicle-level compatibility checks, release readiness, and pipeline-health metrics.

CI-specific basic qualifications
  • Experience architecting or implementing end-to-end CI/CD and quality-gating workflows for embedded software.
  • Experience with GitHub Enterprise or comparable source-control and pipeline platforms, artifact repositories, and automated test evidence.
  • Understanding embedded and vehicle-system integration across ECUs, MCUs, SoCs, containers, networks, configuration, or calibration.
  • Experience incorporating static analysis, security scanning, coverage, integration testing, simulation, or hardware-based validation into delivery controls.


3. Test-system modernization

Modernize large-scale embedded test systems so standardized, headless, automated testing can run repeatedly across virtual and physical environments. Work may include test execution architecture, configuration and variation management, change-impact analysis, risk-based regression selection, test-result schemas and APIs, Databricks-enabled analytics, diagnostics, failure triage, and integration with CI/CD, test management, and issue-management workflows.

Specialization-specific basic qualifications
  • Experience architecting embedded test automation and build-to-test pipelines across virtual or physical environments.
  • Experience with configuration and variation management, change-impact analysis, or risk-based regression testing.
  • Experience modeling test results and integrating test execution with APIs, analytics platforms such as Databricks, diagnostics, or issue-management workflows.
  • Proficiency with engineering automation tools such as Linux, Git, Python, Bash, Robot Framework, containers, or infrastructure as code.


4. Build-system modernization

Modernize embedded build and test infrastructure by creating scalable, reproducible, secure, and developer-friendly workflows. Work may include transitioning legacy Make or shell orchestration to Bazel, developing reusable rules, macros, toolchains, platforms, and repository standards, migrating firmware and generated code, integrating build systems with CI/CD and release processes, improving caching and parallelism, and evaluating AI-assisted engineering workflows with measurable outcomes.

Build System-specific basic qualifications
  • Experience building and maintaining production software systems, with proficiency in Python and at least one additional engineering-tooling language.
  • Experience in automotive, embedded, safety-related, calibration, or systems-engineering environments.
  • Experience migrating Make or shell-based build orchestration to Bazel or a comparable scalable build system.
  • Experience with embedded cross-compilation, toolchains, generated code, firmware, build reproducibility, or CI/CD integration.


What You'll Do:
  • Define target-state architecture, phased roadmaps, and implementation priorities for the assigned capability.
  • Lead architecture reviews, technical working sessions, design decisions, and cross-functional alignment.
  • Identify manual handoffs, duplicated work, late integration points, unreliable signals, and other systemic sources of delay or quality escape.
  • Deliver or guide production-quality software, automation, platform components, and integrations.
  • Create standards and reusable patterns that make the preferred engineering path the easiest path for product teams and suppliers.
  • Establish clear ownership, entry and exit criteria, operational expectations, and exception-management practices.
  • Instrument the platform and use data to identify root causes, guide investment, and demonstrate measurable improvement.
  • Partner with teams responsible for embedded software, vehicle integration, validation, developer experience, cloud, cybersecurity, artifact management, and program delivery.
  • Coach senior engineers and help grow technical leadership across the organization.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Typically, 15 or more years of experience developing, integrating, deploying, or validating software systems.
  • Deep understanding of embedded and real-time software architecture and experience delivering high-quality safety-critical or otherwise mission-critical products.
  • Demonstrated success leading complex technical initiatives across multiple teams or organizations.
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, communication, and prioritization skills in an action-oriented environment.
  • Production experience with engineering tools and systems; proficiency in Python and at least one additional language used in software or engineering-tooling environments.
  • Experience in at least one of the four specialization areas described above, with the ability to collaborate across the others.
  • Experience with relevant technologies such as Linux, Git, containers, CI/CD, cloud platforms, infrastructure as code, test automation, artifact repositories, or data and API platforms, as applicable to the selected specialization.


What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Experience in automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, or another embedded, real-time, regulated, or safety-critical environment.
  • Knowledge of functional safety, ISO 26262, cybersecurity engineering, ASPICE, MISRA, AUTOSAR, or related engineering practices.
  • Experience with virtual and hardware-based validation, including SIL, CoSIM, vECU, HIL, benches, or system-level testing.
  • Experience establishing platform products, reusable templates, developer self-service, engineering standards, or reliability objectives.
  • Advanced degree in a related technical field.


Measures of Success:
  • Improved build, test, integration, release, and developer feedback speed without compromising quality.
  • More reproducible, traceable, secure, and observable engineering workflows.
  • Earlier detection and faster resolution of integration defects, pipeline failures, and invalid quality signals.
  • Strong adoption of common platforms, standards, and automation by product teams and suppliers.
  • Measurable gains in release confidence, mainline stability, test effectiveness, and engineering productivity.


Compensation:

The salary range for this role is $147,000 to $196,300. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

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.

Benefits Overview

The goal of the General Motors of Canada total rewards program is to support the health and well-being of you and your family. Our comprehensive compensation plan currently includes the following benefits, in addition to many others:
  • Paid time off including vacation days, holidays, and supplemental benefits for pregnancy, parental and adoption leave;
  • Healthcare, dental, and vision benefits;
  • Life insurance plans to cover you and your family;
  • Company and matching contributions to a Defined Contribution Pension plan to help you save for retirement;
  • GM Vehicle Purchase Plan for you and your family


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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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

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