“Knowing that at the end of the day my work reaches millions of people totally blows my mind,” says Shai Kelner, Software Engineer for General Motors.
Shai joined GM Israel in 2023, shortly after graduating from university. Since then, she has worked across several teams at the site, gaining exposure to different domains and building a strong foundation in how large-scale systems operate within a global organization.
Earlier in her time at GM, Shai focused on data optimization, structuring, improving, and preparing data so it could be effectively used across different models. While the work may sound straightforward on paper, it required a high level of precision and thoughtful problem-solving to ensure data was reliable, scalable, and usable across teams.
Today, Shai is part of the team responsible for electric vehicle charging developments and contributes to the myOwner app, which allows drivers to control vehicle settings directly from their phone. The features she works on are used by customers around the world, reinforcing the real-world impact of even small changes or fixes.
On her current team, Shai works alongside engineers with many years of experience. It is an environment that pushes her to learn quickly, close knowledge gaps, and take ownership of her work, while also encouraging open collaboration. When asked what she enjoys most about her role, her answer is simple: “The people.”
Across teams, she has found colleagues who are willing to share expertise, offer honest feedback, and listen to different perspectives. This creates a space where asking questions is part of the process, not a liability.
Shai enjoys another productive day at the GM Israel office, shipping work that impacts millions across the globe.
Outside of her core engineering work, Shai is also active in volunteer initiatives supported through GM. Through the I-School nonprofit, she teaches math to a child who needs additional academic support, helping reinforce material covered after school.
She also served as a mentor in a program supporting women in transitional housing, where she worked closely with one participant to help her complete her studies, secure employment, and move into a more stable next chapter.
In addition to these efforts, Shai volunteers independently with the Ben-Gurion Warehouse, an initiative focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Together, these experiences reflect her interest in contributing beyond her day-to-day role, both through GM and within her local community.
When it comes to unwinding, Shai has a recommendation. Severance is a series that made her question where imagination ends and reality begins, and, as she puts it, “whether I really remember what happened at work that day.”
Reflecting on her experience at GM Israel, Shai describes it as an environment where professional growth and inclusion go hand in hand.
“I found in GM Israel a place that truly knows how to give women a real platform at a high professional level,” she says. “As a software engineer, I feel I’m in a company that challenges me, advances me, allows me to bring my professional knowledge in the best possible way, but most importantly, a company that sees me.”
For engineers who want ownership, growth, and work used by millions, GM Israel is a strong fit.
