Assistant Chief Engineer - Engine Programs

Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.  

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

The Assistant Chief Engineer (ACE) – Engine Programs is a senior technical and program execution leader responsible for leading product execution for assigned engine programs and variants. This role is accountable for delivering technical requirements and business objectives, serving as a key interface across functions, ensuring execution quality and timing across design, development, validation, calibration, certification, launch, cost, quality and production.   

The ACE is supported by direct team typically comprised of two Design Systems Engineers (DSEs), a Lead Engineer (LE) and an Application Engineer (AE) and bears people-leadership responsibilities for this team. 

Success in this role requires deep engine-system expertise, problem-solving skills, strong business acumen, launch experience, and the ability to align technical, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, validation, calibration, and vehicle teams around a common plan.

What You'll Do

Lead the cross-functional engine product execution team to meet technical requirements and business objectives for assigned programs and major variants 

Own product-integrated execution deliverables for assigned engines and vehicle applications, including design, development, validation, calibration, certification, launch readiness, and delivery to timing, cost, performance and quality targets 

Serve as the key interface between senior management and the product team to ensure detailed design and release decisions remain aligned to program imperatives and business goals 

Drive resolution of technical, build, test, and launch issues by surfacing risks early, framing clear options, and coordinating recovery actions across functions and regions 

Balance engine performance, combustion, emissions, durability, drivability, NVH, manufacturing feasibility, quality, and cost to deliver the right customer and vehicle outcome 

Lead product and process reviews, support change approval decisions, and ensure content changes, validation plans (AVDP&R), and ensure technical analyses are robust 

Partner closely with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Finance, Quality, Validation, Calibration, Vehicle Teams, and suppliers to drive aligned decisions and remove roadblocks 

Use DFMEA, PFMEA, warranty, field, and test data to drive containment, corrective action, and long-term robustness improvements across assigned engine programs leveraging the Quality-led CPIT (Continuous Product Improvement Team) 

Lead value engineering, reuse, simplification, and DFM/DFA tradeoffs to achieve cost targets without compromising key customer attributes or launch readiness 

Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and clear direction to Design System Engineers, Application Engineers, Lead Engineers, and extended cross-functional teams; build bench strength and future technical leaders 

Communicate clearly and succinctly in technical and executive forums, using data to influence decisions and keep leadership informed on status, risk, and required actions 

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering 

10+ years of relevant experience in engine engineering, propulsion product development, or closely related areas 

Broad experience across several of the following areas: engine development/validation, calibration, design release, lead engineering, design systems engineering, manufacturing interface, and program execution 

Proven production launch experience 

Experience with engine manufacturing and assembly processes 

Demonstrated ability to lead complex, global, cross-functional engineering programs and deliver measurable results 

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Advanced degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field 

Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior leadership in ambiguous, high-visibility situations 

Demonstrated ability to develop talent, build inclusive teams, and strengthen organizational capability beyond direct program needs 

Experience leading technical and business tradeoffs across multiple programs, regions, or major propulsion architectures 

Leadership Profile

A successful Assistant Chief Engineer in the engine space is expected to operate beyond single-thread technical execution. They bring system-level engine mastery, strong cross-functional influence, disciplined risk management, customer-and-vehicle mindset, and the ability to grow future ACE and Chief-level talent while delivering high-stakes programs.

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. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

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}.

The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Report review.

About GM

Our 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 Us 

We 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.

Total Rewards | Benefits Overview

From 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.)

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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.

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