General Motors

Lead Data Scientist – PPCO AI/ML

Warren, Michigan, United States of America Full time

Job Description

Work Classification:

Hybrid: This means the successful candidate is expected to report to their primary location (Warren, MI) three times per week, at minimum, or other frequency dictated by the business.

The Role:


Seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive the development and deployment of advanced AI/ML solutions that transform cost engineering and product profitability. This role will serve as the technical lead for AI innovation within PPCO, with a focus on scalable, production-grade systems that integrate engineering, manufacturing, and supplier data to optimize vehicle cost and component strategies.

What You'll Do:

  • Architect and lead the development of AI/ML models for cost estimation, risk modeling, and design optimization, leveraging LLMs, RAG pipelines, and agentic AI to solve complex cost engineering challenges.

  • Own the full lifecycle of AI/ML solutions—from hypothesis testing and proof-of-concept development to scalable deployment in production environments.

  • Translate domain needs into actionable AI/ML solutions by serving as a technical bridge across engineering, purchasing, analytics, and business teams.

  • Shape the AI/ML roadmap for cost engineering by identifying emerging technologies and proactively developing capabilities to meet future needs.

  • Provide technical vision and mentorship, scaling best practices in experimentation, model development, and deployment across the team.

  • Pioneer novel applications of AI/ML to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and profitability in cost analytics.

  • Drive initiatives with rigor, reproducibility, and speed, ensuring seamless transition from concept to enterprise-scale impact.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):

  • Master’s in Engineering, Physics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field (Ph.D. strongly preferred)

  • 7+ years of experience in data science, with 3+ years in production-grade AI/ML systems

  • Deep expertise in:

    • Deep learning (CNNs, RNNs)

    • Classical ML (regression, classification)

    • Python (PyTorch, TensorFlow, HuggingFace, Scikit-learn, XGBoost)

    • Cloud platforms, Spark, Databricks, SQL

    • LLMs, RAG pipelines, and agentic AI

  • Proven ability to build PoC apps (e.g., Streamlit, Dash) for stakeholder engagement

  • Strong understanding of cost engineering, manufacturing processes, and supplier economics

  • Demonstrated success in delivering AI/ML solutions that drive measurable cost savings

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

  • Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field

  • 10+ years of experience in data science, with 3+ years in production-grade AI/ML systems

  • Familiarity with GM’s cost structure, purchasing systems, and vehicle development lifecycle

  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

  • Strategic mindset with a bias for action and experimentation

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.

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. 

Relocation:

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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 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.