Exterior Lighting Optical Engineer

GM•Warren, MI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the selected candidate will be expected to work on‑site at the Warren Tech Center at least three days per week (or other frequency determined by their manager). This role is eligible for relocation benefits. At General Motors, we are redefining mobility through human-centered design and advanced engineering. Our teams create vehicles and experiences that go beyond transportation—delivering safety, intelligence, and connectivity at scale. Join the Exterior Lighting Engineering Team, where innovation meets design. This team serves as GM’s core technical experts in lighting, driving the development of next-generation lighting systems for both EV and ICE platforms. About the Role: As an Exterior Lighting Optical Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping the future of vehicle lighting by defining and developing advanced optical systems. You’ll partner cross-functionally with Design, Engineering, and suppliers to deliver innovative, high-performance lighting solutions. This position offers the opportunity to deepen your technical expertise, influence in-house design capabilities, and contribute to cutting-edge technologies such as Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field
Minimum 5 years of optical engineering experience, preferably in automotive lighting
Strong understanding of light propagation, optical design principles, and lighting performance requirements
Experience developing electro-mechanical products in a cross-functional environment
Ability to create and interpret technical requirements across hardware and software systems
Strong problem-solving skills with a physics-based approach
Effective communication and collaboration skills

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field
10+ years of experience in exterior automotive lighting optical design
Experience with Tier 1 automotive suppliers or OEM lighting programs
Knowledge of lighting manufacturing processes and tooling considerations
Experience with global lighting regulations and compliance standards
DFSS Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Design, suppliers, and internal engineering teams to integrate optical solutions into exterior lighting systems
Perform optical simulations and analyses to optimize lighting performance and appearance
Define and develop optical requirements for exterior lighting components
Lead development of Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) and other advanced lighting features, including virtual validation and vehicle-level testing
Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements and GM internal standards
Provide technical guidance to DREs, designers, and suppliers on optical design and feasibility
Support vehicle integration, packaging, and early concept development activities
Identify opportunities for innovation based on market trends and emerging technologies
Participate in vehicle development night drives and validation activities