New Products Architect - Drive Units and Transmissions
General Motors · Warren, Michigan, United States of America ·
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- Architecture
- Experience
- 5+ years
Job Description
General Motors is seeking a New Products Architect to lead the definition, integration, and execution of future drive unit and transmission architectures within the New Products Group organization. This is a individual contributor role for an engineer who can independently lead significant technical work, exercise sound judgment on complex engineering matters, convert broad program needs into executable technical plans, and drive alignment across a broad cross-functional team.
This role is focused on new product development for drive units and transmissions, with responsibility to define and engineer architectures that meet vehicle-level requirements, provide technical and program leadership in a cross-functional Balance Architecture environment, and own engineering and program deliverables during the BA phase. The role is intended for an experienced systems-minded engineer who can bridge architecture definition, component and subsystem integration, technical decision-making, and handoff into execution teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and engineer drive unit and transmission architectures that meet vehicle-level functional, performance, efficiency, durability, cost, timing, packaging, manufacturing, and quality requirements.
- Lead the technical definition of new drive unit and transmission concepts during BA and early new product development phases.
- Own engineering and program deliverables during BA, including technical scope alignment, requirements definition, architecture tradeoffs, issue resolution, and readiness for gate reviews.
- Lead or provide technical leadership to a Balance Architecture core team, ensuring the standard work is executed with clarity, urgency, and strong cross-functional alignment.
- Translate broad program objectives into structured engineering workstreams, design paths, system requirements, and integration plans.
- Serve as the central technical integrator across production release, design, analysis, validation, software and controls, calibration, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and program teams.
- Drive system and subsystem tradeoff decisions across gears, power transfer, electric machines, lubrication, thermal management, controls, NVH, and related transmission and drive unit interfaces.
- Support development of future propulsion architecture strategies and transition technical work from new products into downstream execution organizations.
- Lead technical reviews and provide data-based recommendations in situations involving ambiguity, limited precedent, aggressive timing, or competing requirements.
- Work with suppliers and external engineering partners to mature concepts, assess alternatives, resolve technical gaps, and support program timing.
- Mentor less-experienced engineers and act as a technical resource for the broader team.
- Help ensure new product architectures are positioned for successful transfer into production execution with clear requirements, sound engineering rationale, and practical implementation paths.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field
- Strong experience (5+ years) in drive units, transmissions, hybrid propulsion systems, electric propulsion systems, gearing systems, or closely related powertrain hardware
- Demonstrated experience in system architecture, subsystem integration, or complex cross-functional technical leadership
- Strong understanding of how mechanical and electromechanical systems must be balanced across performance, efficiency, cost, quality, manufacturability, and timing
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal guidance on significant technical matters
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to influence direction and drive alignment across functions without direct authority
- Experience leading technical work that spans multiple components, functions, or engineering disciplines
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience with drive unit and transmission architecture in BEV, HEV, PHEV, or other propulsion applications
- Experience with BA, gate review processes, requirements definition, and early program development work
- Experience with vehicle integration, subsystem interfaces, and architecture trade studies
- Experience with supplier engagement and technical leadership in externally supported development work
- Experience transitioning architecture and concept work into product execution teams
- Working knowledge of GM engineering processes, standards, and new product development expectations
What Success Looks Like
- Establishes clear architecture direction for new drive unit and transmission programs early enough to support strong program execution
- Leads cross-functional teams through complex technical decisions with sound judgment and practical engineering tradeoffs
- Creates alignment across organizations on requirements, interfaces, timing, and technical direction
- Delivers BA-phase engineering work with a high degree of ownership, organization, and technical rigor
- Positions programs for smooth transition from new product architecture into downstream execution
- Serves as a trusted technical leader and mentor within the team
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