Senior Full Stack Developer, Product Management - Experience Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Full Stack Developer, Product Management - Experience Prototyping

Company: General Motors

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

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Software Development / Product Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-03T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office minimum)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and deploy functional prototypes across mobile, infotainment, and embedded platforms to inform product roadmaps and requirements.

• Act as a technical consultant and domain partner, bridging technical innovation with product context for vehicle software experiences.

• Collaborate closely with product managers and designers to ensure prototypes align with user needs and strategic business goals.

• Drive rapid prototyping initiatives within a fast-paced, agile environment, focusing on exploration and early validation rather than long-term production.

• Contribute to the development of a world-class software development culture by integrating software, hardware, and services for compelling vehicle experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the Software & Services Product Management team at General Motors, focusing on the "Experience Prototyping" aspect. It requires a blend of deep technical full-stack development skills with a strong product-centric mindset, emphasizing rapid iteration and validation of new software features and user experiences for vehicles. The "breadth-over-depth" approach signifies a need for adaptability and a wide range of technical exposure, rather than deep specialization in a single area.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and deploy prototype solutions that serve as experiments to gather insights and data, enabling informed decision-making across the organization.

• Develop functional prototypes for mobile applications (Android with Jetpack Compose), backend services (Node.js, Java/Spring Boot, Python/Flask), and multi-system integrations.

• Collaborate effectively with product managers and UX/UI designers to translate user needs and product vision into tangible, testable prototypes.

• Provide technical consultation and best practice recommendations for software development across a wide array of technologies and platforms relevant to automotive software.

• Continuously expand knowledge in emerging technologies, GM's vehicle development cycles, in-vehicle and cloud-based architectures, and the company's business model, with a focus on how software enhances it.

• Act as a technical consultant to Product, Design, and Engineering teams, offering guidance on future product experiences and technical feasibility.

• Embrace a hands-on, proactive approach to prototyping, focusing on rapid iteration and learning rather than production-level code.

• Contribute to the evaluation and selection of technologies and frameworks suitable for rapid prototyping and future product exploration.

• Document and present prototype findings, insights, and recommendations to stakeholders, clearly articulating the value and potential impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a "breadth-over-depth" approach, indicating the need for versatility across the full stack and various domains (mobile, backend, embedded, cloud). A key aspect is the "technical consultant" role, requiring the ability to advise broader teams on technical possibilities and limitations within the automotive context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Full Stack Developer, with a significant focus on mobile app development, backend development, and multi-system integration.

Required Skills:

• Mobile App Development: Proficient in developing Android applications using Jetpack components and modern UI frameworks like Compose.

• Backend Development: Skilled in backend technologies including Node.js, Java (Spring Boot), and Python (Flask), with expertise in API design, data modeling, and service orchestration.

• Multi-System Integration: Demonstrated success in integrating diverse systems, including mobile platforms, cloud services, and IoT devices.

• Collaboration: Proven experience effectively collaborating with product and design teams within agile development environments.

• Prototyping: Strong ability to rapidly build functional prototypes to test concepts and gather user feedback.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and find creative technical solutions.

• Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills, essential for technical consultation and stakeholder presentations.

Preferred Skills:

• 8+ years of experience in Full Stack development, demonstrating advanced proficiency.

• In-Vehicle App Development: Experience with AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and a strong understanding of automotive software and hardware architecture, including in-vehicle systems, connectivity, and embedded platforms.

• GM Ecosystem Familiarity: Prior experience working with or within General Motors (GM), or a strong familiarity with GM's technology stack, development cycles, and product ecosystem.

• Business Acumen: Demonstrated ability to bridge technical and business domains, particularly in fast-paced prototyping or innovation environments.

• Embedded Systems & Hardware Prototyping: Experience with embedded systems and digital circuits, such as using C++, Arduino, or Raspberry Pi for hardware prototyping.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in large enterprise or automotive settings.

• Machine Learning Frameworks: Understanding of machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn, beneficial for data-driven decision-making in prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred qualifications highlight a strong preference for candidates with direct automotive experience or familiarity with GM's ecosystem, as well as hands-on hardware prototyping skills, indicating a more comprehensive scope for prototyping beyond pure software.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of rapid prototyping capabilities across different platforms (mobile, web, embedded).

• Case studies showcasing the development of functional prototypes that informed product decisions or validated user value.

• Examples of complex system integrations or API orchestrations implemented in prototype environments.

• Projects that illustrate architectural design principles applied to proof-of-concept solutions.

• Evidence of technical leadership and problem-solving in ambiguous or innovative project settings. Process Documentation:

• Showcase projects where you defined and executed a rapid prototyping process, from concept to validation.

• Include examples of how you gathered and incorporated feedback into iterative prototype development cycles.

• Document workflows for setting up development environments and integrating various services for prototype purposes.

• Demonstrate how you measured or assessed the effectiveness of prototypes in gathering insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "Experience Prototyping" and "rapid building," a portfolio emphasizing speed, iteration, and the ability to quickly demonstrate concepts will be highly valued. The portfolio should highlight the process of prototyping – how ideas are translated into functional tests – rather than just the final product.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $153,200 - $234,100 USD per year.

• Methodology: This range is based on the provided compensation information and adjusted for the specified locations (Warren, MI and Mountain View, CA). Mountain View, CA, being in the Bay Area, typically commands higher salaries for tech roles due to a higher cost of living and competitive market, which is reflected in the upper end of the provided range. Warren, MI, while still a significant tech hub, generally has a lower cost of living, potentially placing successful candidates more towards the middle or lower end of this range if hired there. The provided range is a good faith estimate for the US market, with specific location variance considered.

Benefits:

• Incentive Pay Program: Offers potential payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support for personal and professional well-being.

• Vehicle Discounts: Access to employee discounts on GM vehicles.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week).

• Hybrid Work Arrangement: Candidates are expected to report to the office in Mountain View, CA, or Warren, MI, a minimum of three times per week. This structure allows for focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the US market and is noted as a good faith estimate. The upper end likely reflects the higher cost of living and market rates in Mountain View, California. The inclusion of "Bonus Potential" and "Incentive Pay Program" suggests performance-based compensation beyond the base salary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Technology. General Motors is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and selling vehicles, and is increasingly focused on software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving, and electric mobility solutions. This industry context means a blend of traditional automotive engineering with cutting-edge software development.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). As a major global corporation, GM offers large-scale project opportunities, established processes, and extensive resources, alongside the inherent complexities of a large organization.

Founded: 1908. With over a century of history, GM has a deep-rooted legacy in innovation and transportation, now undergoing a significant transformation towards future mobility.

Team Structure:

• Software & Services Product Management: This team is at the forefront of GM's software transformation, focusing on defining and delivering compelling digital experiences for customers.

• Experience Prototyping Team: A specialized unit within Product Management, dedicated to rapid development and validation of new software concepts and user interfaces.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, various Engineering teams (Software, Hardware, Vehicle Integration), and potentially business stakeholders.

• Reporting: Likely reports into a Product Management or Software Development leadership role within the Software & Services division.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: The team operates within agile work environments, emphasizing iterative development, flexibility, and rapid feedback loops.

• User-Centered Design: A strong focus on understanding and meeting user needs is paramount, guiding the direction of prototypes and product development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Prototypes are designed to gather insights and data, which are then used to inform strategic product decisions.

• Innovation & Exploration: The culture encourages experimentation with emerging technologies and novel approaches to mobility.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GM's current strategic direction is heavily focused on software and services, making this role critical in shaping future automotive experiences. The "experience prototyping" aspect suggests a culture that values innovation, rapid iteration, and a willingness to explore new ideas, albeit within the structured environment of a large enterprise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is for an experienced developer who can operate autonomously, provide technical leadership, and mentor others, but is not a formal management position. The focus is on technical expertise and innovative contribution.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Full Stack Developer will likely report to a Product Manager or Engineering Lead within the Software & Services Product Management organization. This structure allows for direct influence on product direction through the prototyping process.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts GM's operational strategy by:

• Accelerating Product Innovation: Rapid prototyping allows for faster validation of new software features, reducing time-to-market for innovative customer experiences.

• Informing Product Roadmaps: Prototype insights provide crucial data for prioritizing and refining future product development efforts.

• Reducing Development Risk: Early validation of concepts helps mitigate risks associated with developing features that may not meet customer needs or strategic goals.

• Shaping User Experience: Directly contributes to the design and feel of the software interfaces customers interact with daily in their vehicles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like in-vehicle Android development, cloud-based automotive services, or embedded systems.

• Product Management Acumen: Develop a stronger understanding of product strategy, market analysis, and customer needs through close collaboration with product managers.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead prototyping initiatives, mentor junior developers, and influence technical direction.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broad experience across different GM departments and vehicle programs, understanding the complexities of automotive development.

• Emerging Technologies: Become an expert in cutting-edge technologies relevant to the future of mobility (e.g., AI, connected car services, autonomous driving interfaces).

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role emphasizes deepening technical expertise within the automotive software domain, while also offering opportunities to develop product management skills and leadership capabilities through hands-on project involvement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. Employees are expected to spend a minimum of three days per week at either the GM Global Technical Center in Warren, MI, or the Innovation Center in Mountain View, CA. This setup balances the flexibility of remote work with the benefits of in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s):

• Warren, Michigan: GM's primary R&D and technical hub, offering a large campus environment with extensive engineering resources.

• Mountain View, California: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this innovation center provides access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to modern office spaces designed for teamwork, brainstorming, and cross-functional interaction.

• Technology & Tools: Likely equipped with state-of-the-art development hardware and software, including access to GM's internal development platforms and cloud infrastructure.

• Innovation Hub: The Mountain View location, in particular, suggests an environment geared towards innovation, experimentation, and rapid development, fostering interaction with other tech-focused teams.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with product managers, designers, and fellow engineers within the Software & Services division.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility in managing workdays, with designated in-office days for collaborative activities and remote days for focused individual work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a minimum of three days in the office is standard for large tech companies looking to balance flexibility with the advantages of in-person collaboration for certain types of work, such as rapid prototyping and brainstorming. The dual location options provide strategic advantages, leveraging both established automotive engineering expertise (Warren) and Silicon Valley's tech innovation hub (Mountain View).

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

2. Technical Interview(s):

• Full Stack Assessment: In-depth questions covering mobile (Android/Compose), backend (Node.js, Java, Python), API design, and system integration. Expect coding challenges or architecture discussions.
• Prototyping & Problem-Solving: Scenarios designed to assess your approach to rapid prototyping, how you handle ambiguity, and your ability to translate product requirements into technical solutions. This may involve a whiteboard session or a discussion of past prototyping projects.

1. Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. Focus on showcasing your prototyping process, technical execution, and the insights gained.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion on role expectations, team dynamics, career growth, and your overall fit with the team and GM's vision.

3. Cross-functional/Team Interview: May involve meeting with Product Managers or Designers to assess collaboration style and understanding of user-centered design.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Prototyping: Select 3-4 projects that best demonstrate your ability to build functional prototypes quickly. Emphasize the "why" behind the prototype and what insights it yielded.

• Showcase Full Stack Capabilities: Include projects that span mobile, backend, and integration aspects, even if they were prototypes.

• Detail the Process: For each project, explain your development workflow, the technologies used, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Quantify Impact (where possible): Even for prototypes, try to explain how the insights gained contributed to product decisions or influenced the roadmap.

• Prepare for Technical Deep-Dives: Be ready to discuss the code, architecture, and specific technical decisions made in your presented projects.

• Tailor to GM: If possible, choose projects that align with automotive or user experience themes, or demonstrate transferable skills for prototyping vehicle software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice coding problems covering data structures, algorithms, and specific language features (Java, Python, Node.js, Kotlin/Java for Android).

• System Design/Architecture: Prepare for questions about designing scalable backend systems, APIs, or integrating multiple services, focusing on rapid prototyping constraints.

• Prototyping Scenarios: Think about how you would approach prototyping a specific feature for a car's infotainment system or mobile app integration. Consider user flows and technical feasibility.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare to discuss your experience with agile methodologies, collaboration, handling ambiguity, and technical leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and specific prototyping scenarios suggests that demonstrating practical application of skills in a rapid, iterative context is key. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their thought process and technical execution for prototype development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Mobile Development: Android Studio, Jetpack Components, Jetpack Compose, Kotlin, Java.

• Backend Development: Node.js, npm/yarn, Java (Spring Boot), Python (Flask/Django).

• Databases & Data Modeling: Relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL), NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, DynamoDB), data modeling tools.

• API Development: RESTful API design principles, GraphQL (potentially), API Gateway solutions.

• Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) – for backend services, data storage, and deployment of prototypes.

• Containerization: Docker, Kubernetes (for managing and deploying services).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Prototyping Analytics: Tools for tracking user interactions within prototypes (e.g., in-house solutions, specific analytics SDKs).

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or custom dashboarding solutions for presenting prototype insights.

• Logging & Monitoring: Tools for debugging and monitoring prototype performance (e.g., ELK stack, Prometheus, Grafana).

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control: Git (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) is essential for code management and collaboration.

• CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or similar for automating build, test, and deployment processes for prototypes.

• Project Management: Jira, Confluence, or similar for agile workflow management and documentation.

• Prototyping Frameworks: Potentially specialized rapid prototyping tools or platforms used by GM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is broad, reflecting the full-stack nature of the role and the need for versatility in prototyping. Experience with cloud platforms and CI/CD is crucial for deploying and managing prototype environments efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future Mobility: A core value driving the pursuit of new technologies and experiences that define the future of transportation.

• Customer Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving customer needs through intuitive and engaging software experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing change and quickly iterating on ideas to stay ahead in a dynamic industry.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high-quality results in all aspects of development, even in rapid prototyping.

• Data-Driven Insights: Valuing data and analytics to guide decision-making and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close partnerships with Product Management, Design, and Engineering teams are fundamental.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and constructive dialogue to share ideas, provide feedback, and resolve challenges.

• Agile Ceremonies: Active participation in stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing learnings from prototypes and technical discoveries across the team and broader organization.

• Experimentation Culture: Encouraging a willingness to try new approaches and learn from both successes and failures in prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at GM, particularly within its software and innovation arms, is likely a blend of traditional corporate structure and a more modern, agile tech-centric approach. The emphasis on collaboration and customer centricity is key for a role focused on defining user experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working on new concepts with undefined requirements requires comfort with uncertainty and the ability to define direction.

• Balancing Breadth and Depth: Effectively switching between various technologies and domains to build functional prototypes without getting bogged down in deep specialization.

• Translating Vision to Reality: Bridging the gap between high-level product ideas and tangible, functional prototypes.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The fast pace of prototyping demands efficient workflows and quick decision-making.

• Integrating with Legacy Systems (Potentially): While prototyping, understanding how new experiences might eventually integrate with existing vehicle architectures or cloud services.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring prototypes effectively communicate value and gain buy-in from diverse stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Automotive Tech: Work with the latest advancements in vehicle software, connectivity, and user interfaces.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to hone skills across a wide range of full-stack technologies and potentially explore areas like embedded systems or ML.

• Product Strategy Immersion: Gain deep insights into product management processes, market analysis, and customer experience design.

• Cross-Functional Networking: Build relationships with experts across GM's engineering, design, and product organizations.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Potential to attend relevant tech conferences or pursue certifications in areas related to automotive software development and product management.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders and product managers within GM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the nature of rapid prototyping and innovation within a large, established company. Growth opportunities are significant for those looking to bridge technical and product disciplines in the automotive sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to prototype a complex feature with limited information. What was your process, and what were the key learnings?" (Focus on ambiguity, process, and outcomes).

• "How would you approach prototyping a new in-car infotainment feature that aims to personalize the driving experience based on user habits?" (Assess your user-centered design thinking and technical approach).

• "Imagine you need to demonstrate the feasibility of a new connected car service to a non-technical executive team. How would you structure your prototype and presentation?" (Focus on communication, value proposition, and technical feasibility). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about GM's vision for future mobility, and how do you see software playing a role?" (Research GM's strategic goals: zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion).

• "How do you stay current with emerging technologies relevant to automotive software development?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and passion for innovation).

• "Describe your experience working in an agile environment and collaborating with designers and product managers." (Highlight teamwork, communication, and adaptability). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, clearly articulate: 1) The Problem/Goal, 2) Your Approach/Process, 3) The Technical Solution/Prototype, 4) The Outcome/Insights.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use live demos, screenshots, or short video clips to showcase the functionality of your prototypes.

• Explain the "Why": Clearly articulate the business or user problem you were trying to solve with the prototype.

• Highlight Technical Choices: Be prepared to discuss why you chose specific technologies or architectural patterns for your prototypes.

• Focus on Value: Emphasize how your prototypes helped inform decisions, validate hypotheses, or reduce risk.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your technical decisions, challenges, and how the prototype could evolve into a production feature.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong technical skills, a proactive prototyping mindset, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts and their business value to diverse audiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the General Motors careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your strongest prototyping projects that best showcase your full-stack capabilities, rapid development skills, and ability to translate ideas into functional demonstrations. Ensure these projects highlight your experience with mobile (Android/Compose), backend (Node.js, Java, Python), and system integration.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords from the job description, such as "Full Stack Developer," "Prototyping," "Android Development," "Node.js," "Java Spring Boot," "API Design," "Multi-System Integration," and "Agile." Quantify achievements where possible, especially related to project speed and impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clearly explaining the problem, your process, the technical solution, and the insights gained from each project. Practice articulating your technical decisions and how your prototypes informed product direction.

• Research GM's Vision: Familiarize yourself with General Motors' strategic goals (Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion) and their increasing focus on software-defined vehicles. Understand how this role contributes to that vision.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.