Staff Software Engineer - Simulation Tooling

Job DescriptionAbout the role:GM’s simulation team is looking for an experienced Staff Software Engineer to be a key technical leader in our mission to deliver autonomous driving technologies safely. This is a high-impact role where your work directly enables the validation of our most complex AI-driven systems. ResponsibilitiesTechnical Vision: Contribute to the architectural roadmap for our Simulation Scenario Definition platform and/or its programmatic Python SDK. Scalable Tooling: Lead the design and implementation of our next-generation graphical editing tools used by hundreds of engineers to precisely define complex traffic, environment, and sensor scenarios. Performance & Infrastructure: Drive the evolution of our Python infrastructure, focusing on core algorithms for scenario serialization, validation, and integration with our large-scale cloud compute cluster. Mentorship: Act as a hands-on mentor, setting the engineering excellence standard for API design, code quality, and testing practices across the team. Requires Qualifications7+ years of professional experience in software development, with a significant portion focused on large-scale platforms, tooling, or SDK development. Proven ability to lead technical projects from concept to production. Expert-level proficiency in Python, including deep knowledge of best practices, performance optimization, and building robust APIs/SDKs for external consumers. Solid foundation in 3D graphics, computational geometry, and/or real-time simulation concepts. A track record of mentoring and coaching mid-level and senior engineers, raising the technical bar, and driving code quality standards within a team. Desired Skills (Bonus Points)Experience with C++ for performance-critical components or integration with simulation engines. Direct experience developing or extending a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) or high-level scripting language. Background in game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal) or other professional simulation software. Experience in data visualization techniques for large, complex datasets. Familiarity with the architecture of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology (e.g., perception, planning, controls) or other complex robotics/safety-critical systems. Compensation:The expected base compensation for this role is: $189,300 - $290,700. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.You also need to include general information about potential commissions, if applicable.Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.Benefits: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.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. 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 click.appcast.io. 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