Principal Machine Learning Engineer - AI Research

General Motors • Mountain View, CA

74d • $259,000 - $320,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Our AI Research team, reporting directly to the Chief AI Officer, is pioneering how cutting-edge machine learning can transform the way vehicles are designed, manufactured, and experienced. We are building the next generation of intelligent systems-integrating multimodal foundation models, generative AI, and robotics into real-world automotive innovation at global scale. As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer - AI Research, you will serve as a senior technical leader guiding GM's most ambitious AI initiatives. You will lead the design, prototyping, and deployment of state-of-the-art AI models with direct application to vehicle design, manufacturing operations, robotics, and simulation of physical systems. Beyond technical execution, you will shape GM's AI research agenda, mentor a world-class team of scientists and engineers, and represent GM in the global AI community.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent in CS/EE
• 8+ years of experience in AI/ML research and applied development.
• Deep expertise in modern ML architectures (transformers, generative AI, multimodal systems).
• Proven track record of leading AI projects from research to production at scale.
• Strong programming skills in Python and proficiency in one or more systems languages (C++/Go/Java).
• Experience deploying AI systems on cloud-based GPUs/TPUs (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Recognized thought leader in the AI/ML community with demonstrated impact (research breakthroughs, patents, or widely adopted technologies).
• Exceptional ability to mentor, influence, and collaborate across technical and business teams.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated expertise in developing and training multimodal foundation models.
• Demonstrated research impact in AI/ML technologies either through important publications in first tier conferences or demonstrated contribution to industry leading systems.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a unique work environment which combines leading edge AI/ML research with immediate applications to exciting opportunities to make safer, more efficient cars.
• Evaluate, prototype and implement impactful AI solutions to design and manufacturing operations at GM.
• Develop plans and execute projects to integrate AI into GM's manufacturing, vehicle design, software development, customer support and other products and processes.
• Be on the forefront of AI models and architecture, making informed decisions on technology adoption and investment.
• Assist with hiring and mentoring a team of gifted AI scientists and engineers.
• Lead the research, design, and prototyping of advanced AI models applied to automotive and robotics domains.
• Translate breakthrough AI research into scalable, production-ready systems across design, manufacturing, software, and customer experience.
• Define GM's technical strategy for adopting and investing in AI technologies under the Chief AI Officer.
• Mentor and grow a high-performing team of machine learning researchers and engineers.
• Collaborate with product, design, and engineering leaders to identify high-impact AI opportunities.
• Represent GM externally through publications, open-source contributions, patents, and participation in leading AI conferences.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees