Engineering Group Manager - AVD Structures

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

General Motors is seeking an Engineering Group Manager to lead AVD Structures, a critical role at the center of advanced vehicle structural development. This leader will manage and coordinate structural development in the early phases of vehicle development, ensuring body structure concepts are aligned, supported, and executed effectively across future vehicle programs. The role spans structural efficiency, load path development, crash and stiffness performance, mass optimization, manufacturability, and system integration across new architectures, including BEV and truck applications.

This leader will work closely with structures architects, up-front program teams, advanced CAE teams, manufacturing engineering, suppliers, and program leadership to shape robust, scalable, and executable structural solutions. The position is well suited for a technically strong and people-focused leader who can lead execution across the team, develop high-performing engineers, and align complex cross-functional teams around clear priorities and outcomes.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

Lead the AVD Structures team responsible for developing advanced structural concepts and strategies for future GM vehicles, including early-phase program studies and architecture development.

Lead the team in evaluating and advancing structural efficiency, load path development, crashworthiness, stiffness, mass, cost, and manufacturability tradeoffs across vehicle architectures.

Partner closely with structures architects to help translate structural strategies for new vehicle programs into executable work plans and promote system-level structural efficiency.

Guide structural development across key advanced programs and studies, including lower and upper body structures, chassis structures, battery integration, castings, and alternative materials

Drive resource planning for new program and study development while aligning early engagement, priorities, and team capacity to program needs.

Lead cross-functional collaboration with CAE, manufacturing engineering, design, safety, and supplier partners to ensure integrated and executable solutions.

Use data-based trade studies, benchmarking, target setting, business case development, and optimization methods such as multi-disciplinary optimization and topology studies to support engineering decisions and program readiness.

Lead issue resolution related to structural performance, including test failure resolution and support for structural deliverables within the advanced development phase.

Develop and coach technical leaders, AVD leads, DREs, and engineers while strengthening communication, prioritization, and strategic thinking across the organization.

Represent AVD Structures in leadership reviews, providing clear recommendations, risk framing, and alignment on execution priorities.

Ensure lessons learned, benchmarking insights, and new technical knowledge are carried forward into future programs and designs.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Math, Physics, or other relevant degree

8 years experience in automotive body structures, vehicle structures, chassis structures, or closely related systems.

Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams, setting technical direction, or leading complex cross-functional vehicle development work especially in projects with significant ambiguity.

Deep understanding of structural load paths, crash performance, stiffness, mass optimization, manufacturability, and the use of optimization tools such as MDIO and topology methods to improve structural outcomes.

Demonstrated experience leading technical tradeoffs across cost, performance, timing, and complexity.

Experience working across advanced development and production-facing program environments.

Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and align technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and elevate engineering talent.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.

Experience with BIW, underbody, upper body, closures, chassis structures, battery integration, or mixed-material structural systems.

#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}.

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.

Total Rewards | 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 [email protected] 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.