Senior Sensor Validation Engineer

Job DescriptionGeneral 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 Sensor Validation Engineer with deep expertise in sensor physics and hands-on validation methodologies. In this role, you will bridge the gap between low-level hardware performance and high-level vehicle integration. You will develop sensor characterization plans to assess detailed characteristics of sensors, evaluate sensor response, and drive on-vehicle validation campaigns to ensure robust perception across all driving modalities.You’ll have the opportunity to work cross-functionally with hardware, vehicle, perception, simulation, and other stakeholders to develop, execute, and analyze validation campaigns. This includes the development of vehicle level campaigns to ensure performance and functionality is meeting stakeholder and product needs.benchtop setups, specialized test labs, and data-collection vehicles at our Detroit and Milford locations, with travel to external testing facilities as needed.What You'll DoDevelop comprehensive characterization plans to inform the next generation of sensors, including camera, lidar, and radars with quantitative evaluationDevelop vehicle validation tests to ensure performance and safety across autonomous driving environments and behaviorsPlan and execute on-vehicle data collection campaigns on closed courses and public roads to evaluate sensor integration and performanceEvaluate low-level sensor performance metrics, including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), dynamic range, optical distortion, point cloud density, and radar cross-section (RCS) accuracyTransition validated sensor modules from bench setups to vehicle platforms, analyzing physical placement, field-of-view (FOV) overlap, keep-out zone (KOZ) constraints, and other metricsPartner cross-functionally with perception, and hardware design teams to root cause system-level anomaliesYour Skills & AbilitiesBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Work equivalent experience 5+ years of dedicated experience in sensor validation, characterization, or test engineering across optical, lidar, or radar systemsDemonstrated ability to design vehicle level validation testsExperience with L4 (or equivalent) autonomous vehicles and associated behaviors, challenges, and validation needsStrong domain knowledge of sensor physics principles (e.g., optics, electromagnetics, wave propagation, photonics, and signal processing)Experience using a component-level test equipment and lab facilities, such as darkrooms, collimators, target boards, anechoic chambers, target generators or other related equipmentHands-on experience conducting both benchtop characterization and on-vehicle validation, including data collection and physical integration constraints (FOV, KOZ, ISP tuning)Understanding of sensor calibration, time synchronization (PTP/gPTP), and sensor fusion conceptsProficiency in data analysis and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for processing sensor data and evaluating metricsWhat Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) specializing in Optics, Electromagnetics, Physics, or Sensing TechnologiesExperience with automated test bench design, darkroom setup, or customized sensor validation rigsKnowledge of ISP development pipelines, radar signal processing algorithms, or lidar point cloud generation techniquesExperience supporting L4 autonomous driving sensor suites and perception stack integrationsCompensation: 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: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. 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. 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). 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. 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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 America; Remote - Washington; Austin, Texas, United States of America; Warren, Michigan, United States of AmericaType: Full time