Product Hardware Design Manager - Aggregator

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Hardware Design Manager – Aggregator

Company: General Motors

Location: Warren, Michigan and Mountain View, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Hardware Design Management

Date Posted: 2025-06-11T00:00:00

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🎨 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of electrical hardware designers focused on Aggregator systems within automotive products.
• Responsible for the entire hardware design lifecycle, including validation and release, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
• Drive technical direction, mentorship, and career growth for the hardware engineering team while fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Oversee embedded designs for advanced module architectures and lead the development of new IC designs strategic to in-vehicle architectures.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide a team of electrical hardware designers, providing technical direction and ensuring team productivity and efficiency.
• Mentor and coach Hardware Engineers, supporting their career growth and development within the organization.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including software engineers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration of electrical hardware designs.
• Lead embedded designs for advanced module architectures, focusing on performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Lead the design and development of new Integrated Circuits (ICs) strategically important for advanced in-vehicle architectures.
• Oversee and guide electrical schematic design and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout processes.
• Assess the feasibility of proposed electrical hardware designs, considering factors such as cost, performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Support the design of next-generation digital/analog hardware, including Gig+ Ethernet, processors, memory, eFuse, FET, HSD/LSD, and associated semiconductors for Aggregators.
• Perform and review electrical worst-case analysis to ensure design robustness under various conditions.
• Act as a design expert for core technologies developed by the hardware team, representing GM HW in technical discussions.
• Optimize five-point parametric tests and finalize end-of-line production tests for quality control.
• Lead the build-to-print engineering process, acting as a liaison with contract manufacturing houses.
• Apply cost-effective solutions while improving design performance and efficiency.
• Lead product development efforts as part of a multi-hub engineering organization spanning Detroit and the West Coast.
• Refine and optimize technical requirements in collaboration with the Multi-Program Group (MPG) team.
• Maintain Aggregator Hardware Design deliverables, including Block Diagrams, Schematics, and PCB layouts.
• Lead Peer Reviews to identify and resolve integration, interface, and systemic issues.
• Support Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) for Aggregator systems throughout the product lifecycle.
• Provide technical support for Assembly Plant issue resolution and troubleshooting activities.
• Support Product Investigations (SFI Process) as required.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives for Aggregator hardware.
• Provide guidance and consultation to Design Release Engineers (DREs) in product development team meetings.
• Create and maintain Best Practices for electrical hardware design and development.
• Demonstrate strong cross-functional collaboration skills within the Aggregator team and across other Subsystem Management Teams (SMTs).
• Collaborate and strategize with Aggregator Technical Specialists (TS), Electric Power (Sub)system TS, and Safety teams.
• Ensure all vehicle Program Imperatives (e.g., piece cost, investment, mass, base engineering content, and IPTV) related to Aggregator components are met.
• Work with DRE/Validation groups to establish and execute component validation plans in alignment with program timelines.
• Participate in Formal Design, Peer, and Quality Valve reviews as required by the Vehicle Development Process (VDP).
• Develop, review, and approve all in-process Electrical test plans.
• Support vehicle integration activities for pre-production and production vehicles.
• Lead and participate in issue resolution for design and development problems, ECU warranty analysis, and parts restrictions.
• Lead and support DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) activities for Aggregator systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering required; Master's degree preferred. A strong educational background in Electrical Engineering or a related field is essential for understanding complex hardware systems.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of working experience in automotive hardware electronics design, demonstrating a proven track record in leading design teams and delivering complex hardware solutions. Experience with portfolio showcasing successful hardware projects is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Electrical Hardware Design, including creating digital/analog hardware interfaces.
• Proficiency in Schematic Creation and PCB Layout design principles and tools.
• Strong Program Management skills with the ability to effectively plan, execute, and monitor hardware development projects.
• Demonstrated Team Leadership and mentorship abilities to guide and develop engineering talent.
• Excellent Cross-Functional Collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams (Software, Mechanical, Manufacturing, etc.).
• In-depth knowledge of Embedded Design principles and practices for advanced module architectures.
• Experience in IC Design and development, particularly for in-vehicle architectures.
• Proficiency in design and analysis tools such as Mentor Graphics (schematic & layout), MathCad, PSpice, and Saber.
• Understanding of High-Speed Communication Buses (Ethernet, PCIe, SerDes, etc.).
• In-depth knowledge of Low Voltage Power Distribution systems (eFuse, FET, Thermal, LiB, DC/DC).
• Comprehensive understanding of Requirements Engineering Processes, including FMEA and Preliminary Hazard Analyses.
• In-depth knowledge of Verification and Validation Processes for automotive hardware.
• Understanding of Embedded Software Development, testing, and associated tools.
• Deep understanding of Hardware Design principles and common failure modes.
• Strong understanding of Engineering Theory and Principles of Operation for mechanical/electrical mechanisms.
• Thorough knowledge of Design Development, Test Engineering, Manufacturing, Assembly Operations, Engineering Processes, and Procedures.
• Highly developed Oral and Written Communication Skills for technical and leadership contexts.
• Demonstrated Problem Solving Ability, particularly for complex and unusual issues.
• High level of Interpersonal Skills to work effectively with others, motivate employees, and drive performance.
• Very high level of Analytical Problem-Solving Skills to tackle extremely difficult technical challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous industry experience with compute, connectivity, Body, or low voltage distribution systems in an automotive context.
• Experience with automotive industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) as they apply to hardware design.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Include detailed case studies of complex automotive hardware design projects you have led, focusing on your role in schematic capture, PCB layout oversight, and system integration.
• Showcase examples of your involvement in the entire hardware lifecycle, from concept and design to validation, testing, and release.
• Present projects where you successfully managed a team of hardware engineers, highlighting your leadership approach and project outcomes.
• Demonstrate your expertise in designing embedded systems, including the selection and integration of processors, memory, and high-speed communication interfaces.

Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to the research and discovery phase in hardware design, including requirements gathering and feasibility analysis.
• Detail your methods for ideation and iteration in hardware design, showcasing how you evaluated different architectural approaches and component selections.
• Explain your strategies for validation and testing, including the development of test plans, execution of tests (e.g., parametric, end-of-line), and issue resolution processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $168,000 - $258,800 USD per year. This range is a good faith estimate based on information provided by the company for specific locations (New York, Colorado, California, or Washington). Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and performance. This estimate aligns with senior-level hardware engineering management roles in the automotive and tech sectors, particularly in high-cost-of-living areas like California.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to support employee health and well-being.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) options for managing healthcare costs tax-efficiently.
• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company contributions to support long-term financial planning.
• Sickness and Accident Benefits providing income protection during periods of illness or injury.
• Life Insurance coverage for financial security.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays to support work-life balance and personal time off.
• Tuition Assistance Programs for professional development and continued learning in relevant engineering fields.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.
• GM Vehicle Discounts, a significant perk for employees of an automotive company.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. As a hybrid role, flexibility may be available, but core hours for collaboration with both the Detroit and West Coast teams will be important.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing with a strong focus on innovation in electrification, software, and AI. GM is a major player in the automotive industry, undergoing a significant transformation towards a future of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (over 100,000 globally). This large size indicates a complex organizational structure with established processes and global reach.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't specified in the provided data, General Motors has a long and established history in the automotive industry, dating back over a century. This history informs a culture of engineering excellence and large-scale manufacturing.

Team Structure:

• The role involves leading a team of electrical hardware designers, suggesting a hierarchical structure within the engineering department.
• Collaboration is explicitly required with cross-functional teams (Software, Mechanical, Manufacturing), indicating a matrixed or collaborative team environment.
• The mention of a multi-hub engineering organization (Detroit and West Coast) points to geographically dispersed teams requiring strong communication and coordination.

Methodology:

• The job description mentions the Vehicle Development Process (VDP), indicating a structured approach to product development, likely involving phase-gates and formal reviews.
• Emphasis on Requirements Engineering, DFMEA/PFMEA suggests a focus on robust, process-driven design and risk assessment.
• The need for collaboration with various technical specialists and teams implies an integrated, systems-level approach to design and problem-solving.

Company Website: http://www.gm.com

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This position is at a senior management level within hardware engineering, requiring extensive experience and leadership capabilities. It likely falls within the Director or Senior Manager tier, responsible for significant technical domains and team performance.

Reporting Structure: The role reports within the engineering organization, likely to a higher-level Director or VP of Engineering focusing on vehicle platforms or specific system domains. The position involves managing a team of hardware engineers.

Design Impact: The Aggregator system is critical to the vehicle's electronic architecture, suggesting that this role has a significant impact on the performance, reliability, and functionality of GM's advanced vehicles. Decisions made in this role will directly influence product quality and innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for advancement to higher-level leadership roles within GM's engineering or technology organizations, overseeing broader technical domains or larger teams.
• Opportunities to specialize further in specific areas of automotive hardware, embedded systems, or IC design as technology evolves.
• Growth through leading strategic initiatives related to next-generation vehicle architectures and technology roadmaps.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Hybrid work arrangement, requiring employees to report to the office three times per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) at a minimum. This blend offers some flexibility while maintaining regular in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Primarily based at the GM Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, with potential collaboration with teams located in Mountain View, California. This dual location aspect highlights the need for effective remote collaboration tools and practices.

Design Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model suggests a workspace designed to support both individual focus and team collaboration during in-office days.
• Access to specialized hardware labs, testing facilities, and design tools at the Global Technical Center is likely.
• Opportunities for direct interaction and whiteboarding with hardware, software, and mechanical engineering teams are facilitated by the in-office requirement.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the hybrid requirement dictating specific in-office days. The nature of managing geographically dispersed teams may require some flexibility in working hours to accommodate different time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening likely involves a review of your resume and technical experience, with a focus on relevant hardware design and leadership experience.
• Technical interviews will assess your deep knowledge of electrical hardware design, embedded systems, IC design, and analysis tools. Be prepared for detailed questions on your past projects and technical decisions.
• Behavioral interviews will evaluate your leadership skills, collaboration abilities, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit within GM's engineering organization.
• A portfolio review (or technical project review) will be crucial. Prepare detailed case studies of your most impactful hardware design projects, highlighting your technical contributions, leadership, and the design process followed.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For each key project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your specific responsibilities and technical contributions, the design challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.
• Structure your case studies to showcase your design process, from requirements analysis and concept development to detailed design, validation planning, and issue resolution.
• Highlight your experience with schematic capture, PCB layout oversight, component selection, and system integration.
• Emphasize projects where you led or significantly contributed to the design of complex embedded systems or ICs relevant to automotive applications.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss technical challenges you've faced in hardware design, your approach to root cause analysis, and the solutions implemented.
• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Consider preparing a brief presentation on a challenging project from your past, focusing on the technical intricacies and your leadership in resolving issues.

ATS Keywords: Electrical Hardware Design, Automotive Electronics, Embedded Systems, IC Design, Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Program Management, Team Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Validation, Verification, DFMEA, PFMEA, High-Speed Communication, Low Voltage Power Distribution, Mentor Graphics, MathCad, PSpice, Saber, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Vehicle Development Process (VDP), Aggregator, Mechatronics, Semiconductor, System Integration, Requirements Engineering, Troubleshooting, Cost Reduction, Best Practices, Technical Leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Mentor Graphics: Essential for schematic capture and PCB layout design, demonstrating proficiency in industry-standard electronic design automation (EDA) tools.
• MathCad, PSpice, Saber: Critical for electrical analysis, simulation, and worst-case analysis, ensuring design integrity and performance prediction. Skill level expectations are likely expert-level for detailed analysis.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Tools for cross-functional team collaboration (e.g., project management software, communication platforms) are implied for working with software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams.
• Tools supporting design documentation and specification management for handoff to manufacturing (e.g., PLM systems, documentation platforms) are likely utilized.

Research & Testing:

• Equipment and tools for hardware testing and validation (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies) are essential for verifying design performance and identifying issues.
• Tools for data acquisition and analysis during testing will be used to evaluate hardware behavior and performance metrics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Emphasis on delivering "quality product on time," highlighting a focus on execution, reliability, and meeting program milestones in hardware design.
• A culture of continuous improvement ("deliver continuous improvement for Aggregators considering quality, cost, and timing") suggests a value placed on optimizing designs and processes.
• Collaboration and strategizing with other technical specialists (TS) and teams indicate a value placed on teamwork and a systems-level perspective in design.
• Problem-solving ability and technical leadership are highly valued, reflecting the complex challenges inherent in developing advanced automotive hardware.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires working "closely with other teams, such as software engineers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing teams," indicating a highly collaborative and integrated work style.
• Leading peer reviews and identifying issues suggests a culture of technical scrutiny and collaborative problem-solving within the team.
• Working within a multi-hub engineering organization necessitates effective communication and collaboration across geographical locations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Managing the complexity of Aggregator hardware design in a rapidly evolving automotive technology landscape, including integrating high-speed communication and advanced power distribution systems.
• Leading a geographically dispersed team and ensuring effective communication and collaboration across different time zones and locations.
• Balancing aggressive program timelines and cost targets with the need for robust, reliable hardware that meets stringent automotive safety and performance standards.
• Staying abreast of the latest semiconductor technologies and design methodologies to drive innovation in future Aggregator systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of automotive electronics, embedded systems, or IC design through hands-on project work and collaboration with technical specialists.
• Potential for leadership development through managing and mentoring a team of experienced hardware engineers.
• Exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies and the opportunity to contribute to the development of future vehicle platforms.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to walk through your approach to the hardware design lifecycle, from requirements gathering and architectural definition to detailed design, validation, and release. Use examples from your portfolio.
• Discuss your experience with schematic capture and PCB layout, including best practices for signal integrity, power delivery, and manufacturability.
• Explain your process for conducting electrical analysis and simulations, and how you use these tools to ensure design robustness and identify potential issues.

Company Culture Questions:

• Research GM's vision of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion and be prepared to discuss how your experience and this role contribute to that vision.
• Discuss your experience leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams, providing specific examples of successful collaboration and conflict resolution.
• Reflect on your leadership style and how you mentor and develop team members, aligning your approach with GM's emphasis on talent growth.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 key projects from your experience that best showcase your technical expertise, leadership abilities, and experience with relevant automotive hardware systems.
• For each project, clearly articulate the technical problem, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed, key technical decisions made, challenges encountered and how they were overcome, and the ultimate outcome and impact of your work.
• Use diagrams, schematics (redacted as necessary), and photos (if applicable) to illustrate your technical contributions and the complexity of the systems you worked on.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Customize your resume to highlight your experience in automotive hardware electronics design, team leadership, and proficiency with relevant design and analysis tools.
• Prepare a detailed portfolio or technical project summary showcasing your most impactful hardware design projects, focusing on your technical contributions, leadership, and design process.
• Research General Motors' vision, recent vehicle technologies, and the specific challenges in automotive electronics to demonstrate your interest and understanding during interviews.