Applied ML Validation Manager (Sunnyvale)

Job DescriptionRoleAs an Applied ML Validation Manager on the Software Validation team within the AV organization, you will lead a team focused on building and operating behavior critics and human benchmarking capabilities for ML-driven autonomy systems. Your team will turn subjective human expectations about safe, comfortable, and intuitive driving into rigorous, scalable evaluation frameworks that directly inform model development and release decisions.You will partner closely with autonomy, simulation, safety, and product teams to define how behavior is judged against human drivers and integrate behavior critic signals into validation pipelines, continuous release, and long-term performance monitoring.About the Organization The Autonomous Vehicle (AV) organization is dedicated to advancing the development of autonomous vehicles through cutting-edge simulation technologies and novel iterative development processes.  The Software Validation team focuses on unlocking software launches and continuous release decisions via simulation-led verification and validation strategies, prototypes, and protocols. Our collaborative environment fosters innovation and excellence, allowing us to push the boundaries of what is possible in autonomous vehicle testing.  Key ResponsibilitiesLead and grow an Applied ML validation team focused on behavior evaluation and human benchmarking for autonomy ML systems.Define the strategy and roadmap for evaluating ML behavior against human-like driving expectations across simulation, replay, and on-road environments.Design, implement, and operate behavior critic frameworks that assess model actions and trajectories, turning qualitative human feedback into structured labels, metrics, and scorecards.Develop and scale human benchmarking programs, including rater guidelines, calibration, and quality controls, to compare ML system performance against expert and typical human drivers.Partner closely with autonomy, simulation, safety, and product teams to integrate behavior critic and human benchmarking outputs into training, offline validation, release gating, and reporting.Basic Qualifications8+ years of experience and MS/PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.2+ years of people management experience leading engineering, validation, or applied ML teams.Strong programming and data skills in Python and common analysis/ML tooling (e.g., PyTorch).Demonstrated experience designing and operating evaluation/validation pipelines for complex ML systems.Proven ability to define, implement, and track metrics that capture system quality, reliability, safety, or user experience.Preferred QualificationsExperience with autonomous driving, robotics, or other safety-critical domains, especially in validation, safety, or systems engineering roles.Demonstrated background with simulation-based validation, including VLM critics, human benchmarking, and scalable evaluation for ML or autonomy systems.Hands-on experience with agentic workflows used to accelerate analyses, automate documentation, or orchestrate complex data and metric pipelines.Track record of building or scaling technical teams and tooling in fast-evolving domains, especially focused on evaluation, automation, and ML observability.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 New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.· The salary range for this role: is $218,000 to $335,000. 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.· Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more

About GMOur vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.Why Join UsWe believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.Benefits OverviewFrom day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.AccommodationsGeneral Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at View phone number on apply.placed-app.com. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.SummaryLocation: Sunnyvale, California, United States of AmericaType: Full time