Sr. Engineering Manager – Engine, Drive Unit, Transmission Architecture

General Motors•Warren, MI

About The Position

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. The Role The Global Propulsion Systems team is at the forefront of GM’s transformation to the future of transportation. We are seeking a highly motivated, forward-thinking, innovative, high-performing people leader with a balance of strategic and tactical skills to lead the Engine, Drive Unit, and Transmission Architecture organization within New Products Propulsion. In this role, you will be responsible for leading a team that defines and matures architectures for engines, drive units, and transmissions through Balanced Architecture (BA) and handoff to execution. You will own a distinct, critical business area with direct impact on GM’s propulsion portfolio and will work across ICE, hybrid, and BEV applications to help deliver GM’s Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion vision.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or related)
10+ years of engineering experience in propulsion or vehicle systems across multiple phases of product development (from initiation/advanced work through launch)
Deep technical expertise in at least one of: engines, transmissions, drive units/e-drives, or powertrain systems integration, with strong working knowledge across the others
Experience leading architecture or systems definition (e.g., Architect, Technical Specialist, System Engineer, or equivalent) across multiple vehicle and/or propulsion programs
Proven track record leading structured, gated processes such as Balanced Architecture (BA) or equivalent (requirements, concepts, trade studies, decisions, and execution handoff)
Demonstrated experience leading projects and people (directly or indirectly), with highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
Strong organization and planning capability, with the ability to quickly identify and remove roadblocks and escalate as appropriate
Strong problem-solving ability, with capability to clearly define problems, determine root cause, and develop well thought-out alternatives to support decision making
Excellent conflict resolution and collaboration skills, with proven capability to balance technical and business needs
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguity, manage multiple assignments, and deliver results under pressure
DFSS Black Belt (or equivalent structured problem-solving certification)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering or Management (e.g., MBA)
Direct experience with BEV propulsion (high-speed e-drives, integrated drive unit architectures, lubrication and thermal integration) and hybrid/power-split or P2/P4 architectures
Experience collaborating with Manufacturing Engineering, GPS ME, and plants on propulsion-related industrialization, launch, and quality

Responsibilities

Provide leadership to ensure excellence in all aspects of GM Engineering: Functional, performance, and safety requirements are met for engine, drive unit, and transmission architectures
Flawless architecture definition, integration, and collaboration with ATW, BA, VDDV, Dev/Val, manufacturing, execution, and vehicle teams (ATW – Balanced Architecture – Execution)
Ensure performance, mass, cost, quality, reliability, durability, and serviceability targets are met
Own Balanced Architecture leadership for Engine, Drive Unit, and Transmission: Ensure BA deliverables (requirements, concepts, trade studies, Pugh analyses, cost/mass, analysis plans, and handoff documentation) are completed on time and with high quality
Drive clear, evidence-based architecture down-selects and document decisions
Execute architecture strategy: Define and execute the strategy for engine, drive unit, and transmission architectures aligned with enterprise propulsion strategy, roadmaps, performance, and sustainability targets
Balance reuse versus new architectures, modularity, and manufacturability in partnership with Chief Engineers, Vehicle Integration, and Manufacturing Engineering
Integrate new technologies (e.g., high-speed e-drives, advanced lubrication and thermal concepts, new combustion/boosting approaches, emissions technology) through robust ATW-to-BA handshakes
Lead cross-functional alignment and decision making: Represent the Engine, Drive Unit, and Transmission Architecture team in BA reviews, ATW gates, portfolio reviews, and executive forums
Use data, analysis plans, and benchmarking to frame trade-offs and influence decisions across Vehicle, Propulsion, Virtual Performance Integration, GPS ME, and Finance
Proactively identify and manage technical, timing, cost, and manufacturability risks; elevate issues with clear options and recommendations
Provide people leadership and build talent: Recruit, attract, and hire top technical talent; build an organization with the right mix of architects, designers, and technical specialists
Train, develop, coach, and mentor employees; provide clear line of sight from organizational objectives to individual contributions and prioritize work accordingly
Develop successors and bench strength for key technical and leadership roles; provide opportunities for career growth and professional development
Create an environment that fosters a positive and inclusive culture, psychological safety, and high engagement; recognize contributions and accomplishments
Implement tools, methods, and innovation that keep GM at the competitive frontier in propulsion architectures