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

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.

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.

• 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

• 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)

• 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