Manager, Autonomy Systems Validation

Hybrid:  This role is categorized as hybrid. 

Role:  As a Manager, Autonomy Systems Validation, you will lead a team of systems and software engineers responsible for validating key features and subsystems of our next generation automated driving stack. You and your team will focus on how and where the system is allowed to operate, how it behaves in different conditions, and how we ensure the overall “product envelope” is safe and well-defined. 

You will combine deep systems thinking with strong people leadership to define requirements, design validation frameworks, and deliver clear, data-backed evidence that supports launch and continuous software release decisions for autonomy features. You will work closely with cross-functional partners to define program goals and create actionable roadmaps that drive systems design execution. 

About the Organization:  The Autonomous Vehicle (AV) organization  is dedicated to advancing the development of autonomous vehicles through cutting-edge simulation technologies and novel iterative development processes.  The Software Validation  team focuses on unlocking software launches and continuous release decisions via novel simulation V&V methodologies and targeted vehicle testing. Our collaborative environment fosters innovation and excellence, allowing us to push the boundaries of what is possible in autonomous vehicles systems engineering. 

What You’ll Do:  

• Lead a team of systems and software engineers focused on defining autonomy boundaries, defining behavior in normal and edge-case scenarios, and translating that scope and behavior into clear requirements and validation plans. 

• Own feature and subsystem level requirements and validation strategies for areas such as system state and mode management, ODD entry/exit behavior, and collision response. 

• Build and maintain validation frameworks across simulation, hardware-in-the-loop / bench, closed course, and on-road testing. 

• Define and review metrics and acceptance criteria that describe success for these systems and ensure they are connected to requirements and safety goals. 

• Partner with cross-functional teams including safety, embodied AI, simulation, platform, and product management to integrate validation outputs into development workflows, program decisions and the safety case. 

• Work with data and tools (e.g. Python/SQL, dashboards, scorecards, requirements and test management systems) to turn test results into clear insights and recommendations. 

• Hire, develop, and mentor engineers; set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and foster an inclusive, high performance team culture. 

• Represent your workstreams in program reviews, leadership forums, communicating status, risks, trade-offs, and validation readiness concisely. 

• Champion improvements to processes and tools that make it easier for the organization to author, trace, and execute system-level validation plans at scale. 

Your Skills & Abilities  

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields 

• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering, robotics, systems analysis, data analysis, statistical analysis, validation, or other related fields 

• 2+ years of experience leading engineers in a people management or dotted-line technical leadership role 

• Strong foundations in systems engineering including decomposition of complex systems, defining clear interfaces, and traceability best practices. 

• Demonstrated ability to design and review multi-environment test strategies spanning simulation, bench/HIL, closed course, and on-road testing, or similar. 

• Comfortable working with data and metrics with proficiency in python/SQL, dashboard building, and test scripting. 

• Excellent communication skills, able to explain complex technical topic in clear, simple language. Ability to tailor messages to engineers, cross-functioanl partners, and senior leaders. 

• Proven ability to operate in ambiguity, create structure, and move from quick prototypes to robust, scalable solutions on tight timelines. 

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge  

• Experience with autonomous vehicles, vehicle development, or ADAS development. 

• Experience defining or validating operational design domains and/or system behavior in critical scenarios such as minimum risk maneuvers, hazard avoidance, or fault handling. 

• Hands-on experience with validating systems using robotics simulation and correlating to physical testing. 

• Experience with requirements and test management tools and integrating them into engineering and validation workflows. 

• Familiarity with hazard and safety analysis methods (e.g. FMEA< STPA, fault trees) and how they connect to validation plans and evidence. 

• Track record of building and scaling teams, including hiring, coaching, and developing systems and validation engineers. 

• Proficient with SQL, Python, and C++ for analyzing large data sets. 

• Comfortable using AI tools and agents to automate workflows and accelerate software development. 

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 $189,300 to $290,700. 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: 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