General Motors

Engineering Group Manager - Exterior Lighting

Warren, Michigan, United States of America Full time

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.  

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

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.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Engineering Group Manager to lead the development and execution of exterior lighting systems. This role is responsible for managing a high-performing team of engineers and driving technical excellence, program delivery, validation, quality, and innovation across multiple vehicle platforms.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead and mentor a team of exterior lighting Design Release Engineers.

  • Foster a collaborative and innovative engineering culture that emphasizes accountability, continuous improvement, and technical growth.

  • Manage staffing, performance reviews, and career development plans.

Program Execution

  • Oversee the end-to-end development of exterior lighting components from concept through production launch.

  • Ensure designs meet all functional, aesthetic, cost, weight, and manufacturability targets.

  • Drive resolution of technical issues and ensure timely delivery of engineering milestones.

  • Enable team to meet program and organization KPIs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Design Studio, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Vehicle Architecture teams to ensure seamless integration of exterior lighting components.

  • Serve as the primary engineering interface for suppliers and internal stakeholders.

  • Support sourcing decisions and supplier technical reviews.

Quality & Compliance

  • Ensure all components meet regulatory, safety, and durability requirements.

  • Monitor field performance and warranty data to drive continuous improvement.

  • Champion robust validation plans and DFMEA/PFMEA processes.

Innovation & Strategy

  • Drive an innovative culture that promotes delivery of the Most Efficient Engineering Solutions in the industry

  • Promote the use of lightweight materials, sustainable solutions, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

  • Stay current with industry trends and competitive benchmarking.

Budget & Reporting

  • Manage engineering budgets including people cost, engineering design & development, and travel

  • Provide regular updates to leadership on program status, risks, and mitigation strategies.

  • Support long-range planning and strategic staffing decisions.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Math, Computer Science, or Physics

  • 8 years of relevant experience

  • Extensive experience in automotive exterior systems engineering with strong vehicle integration expertise

  • Proven ability to lead programs and teams, delivering results across multiple, fast‑paced vehicle programs

  • Deep knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and component/subsystem development and release processes

  • Strong track record managing global vehicle programs and supplier relationships

  • Demonstrated proficiency with CAD tools, CAE analysis, regulatory standards, and validation requirements

  • Action‑oriented, high‑initiative leader who works independently, navigates ambiguity, and drives timely decisions

  • Highly effective communicator who builds strong relationships across functions, suppliers, and senior leadership

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Master’s degree

 #LI-KM2

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}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits. This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Report review.

About GM

Our 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 Us 

We 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 Overview

From 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.

Accommodations

General 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, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. 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.