Senior Systems Engineer - Sensor Packaging and Placement

Job Description General Motors is developing hands-off and eyes-off autonomous driving systems intended for broad deployment across consumer vehicles. As part of this effort, GM is investing in sensors and architectures that can be integrated, validated, and operated reliably at scale across diverse vehicle programs and operating environments. We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer – Sensor Packaging and Placement specializing in sensor placement and analysis to join the AV Sensing Design team to support the integration strategy for autonomous sensing suites across diverse vehicles. This role focuses on sensor placement optimization, mounting tolerance stack-up analysis, and coverage trade studies resulting in robust integration criteria for production. In this position, you will execute sensor location and field-of-view (FOV) and coverage analysis across multi-modality sensor suites, evaluate intrinsic and extrinsic mounting tolerances, and perform placement studies for cameras, radars, and lidars. You will work closely with cross-functional partners in perception, simulation, packaging, and vehicle platform engineering to translate complex environmental and vehicle constraints into actionable integration criteria.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct placement trade studies and mechanical integration analyses for the design of multi-modality sensor systems, supported by detailed coverage modeling and AV behavioral impact assessments.
• Perform FOV coverage analysis and develop modal profiles and integration criteria for sensor suites across diverse vehicle platforms.
• Assess performance against product needs to assess risk, quantify impact, and drive continuous improvement.
• Work closely with cross-functional stakeholders such as simulation, vehicle integration teams, and production teams.
• Clearly document technical decisions, trade‑offs, and deliverables.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience integrating sensors, sensor packaging, tolerance stack-up analysis, or related fields.
• Experience with CAD modeling, such as Solidworks, NX, or other related tools.
• Demonstrated expertise in sensor integration analysis, mechanical trade studies, and analytical methods for placement optimization.
• Understand of the challenges of self-driving and how sensor placement impacts safety and product performance.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex technical domains and collaborate across teams.
• Experience with Matlab, Python, or other languages to support tooling development as needed.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working on L4 (or equivalent) autonomous vehicle programs or advanced remote sensing platforms.
• Experience applying advanced mechanical engineering analysis (e.g., CAD/NX modeling, FEA, structural dynamics, thermal analysis) to sensor packaging and placement.
• Experience with Blender

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 153,200 to 234,100. 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

• 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

Hybrid Role and Relocation

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}. Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.

Export Control Restrictions

The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

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