Principal Machine Learning Engineer - AI Research

Description
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.
What You'll Do

• You will 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. We have close working connections to world class engineers in the automotive design space to jointly develop novel applications of AI tools in this space.

• Evaluate, prototype and implement impactful AI solutions to design and manufacturing operations at GM. Potential applications include the use of foundation models to large scale design tasks, using generative AI technologies for defining robotics tasks and the application of generative AI to interface with, and develop new technologies for the design and modeling physical systems.

• 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 (foundation models, generative AI, multimodal architectures) 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.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• 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.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• 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.

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the MTV office three times per week or any other frequency dictated by the business.
Compensation: The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

• The salary range for this role is 259,000 to 320,000. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
• Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
• Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, 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 and more.

Company Vehicle: Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate.
Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.
Relocation: This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
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