Principal Systems Engineer – AV Sensor Design

General Motors

. Lead the technical direction of lidar technology from system-level decisions within multi-modality sensing suites through detailed evaluation of production paths .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $238,700 - $365,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in lidar technology development, including hardware, signal processing, and calibration methodologies, while leading technical strategies for autonomy products. Proven ability to evaluate and improve lidar performance across various operational design domains and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Lidar DevelopmentSignal ProcessingOptical Path DesignData AnalysisRemote Sensing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Lidar Hardware DevelopmentCalibration MethodologyOptical Link Budget AnalysisDetector PhysicsLaser SafetySPAD LidarsWeather Effects SolutionsValidation and Test PlansRoot Cause AnalysisSimulation Models

Soft Skills

Strong Verbal CommunicationStrong Written Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Electrical EngineeringMaster’s Degree in Optical EngineeringMaster’s Degree in Applied PhysicsPhD in Electrical EngineeringPhD in Optical EngineeringPhD in Applied Physics

Industry Keywords

Autonomy ProductsL4 Autonomous Vehicle ProgramsSensor FusionExtrinsic Calibration TechniquesLidar Perception Models

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Remote Sensing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the technical direction of lidar technology from system-level decisions within multi-modality sensing suites through detailed evaluation of production paths
Own the technical strategy for lidar development across current and future autonomy-program sensing suites
Work with sensor and perception technical experts to define leading-edge autonomy products
Lead trade studies considering performance, cost, and integration for next-generation lidar development
Evaluate data products from prototype and production platforms to identify improvement opportunities
Work with production teams and vendors to realize technology in production designs
Define lidar performance requirements for next-generation autonomy capabilities across broad operational design domains
Drive lidar technology strategy across optical path, signal processing, calibration, failure modes, and integration with autonomy products
Collaborate with component, perception, localization, simulation, and vehicle teams to realize performance on consumer vehicles

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field
13+ years of experience in remote sensing, lidar development, photonic system development or related fields, with a majority concentrated in lidars
Recognized lidar authority with decision-making authority on technical direction of lidar technology development
Direct experience developing lidar hardware and signal processing, calibration methodology, and data consumption or analysis
Experience with productionization challenges of lidar technology and related trade-offs
Deep command of lidar fundamentals, including optical link budget analysis, target phenomenology, detector physics, noise, laser safety, optical path design, window optics, spectrum selection, and signal processing techniques
Experience developing robust solutions for weather and environmental effects
Experience developing lidar for autonomy products
Significant experience with SPAD lidars
Hands-on proficiency with data analysis and ability to lead root cause analysis and analytic efforts
Strong verbal and written communication skills
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field preferred
Patents, publications, or recognized industry contributions in lidar or electro-optical sensing preferred
Experience with L4 or equivalent autonomous vehicle programs preferred
Experience developing or supporting simulation models preferred
Knowledge of lidar perception models and sensor fusion consumption of lidar data preferred
Experience with extrinsic calibration techniques, localization, or related topics preferred
Experience designing validation and test plans preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus potential through an incentive pay program based on company performance, job level, and individual performance
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Accounts
Retirement savings plan
Sickness and accident benefits
Life insurance
Paid vacation and holidays
Tuition assistance programs
Employee assistance program
GM vehicle discounts
Relocation benefits for qualifying candidates