Principal Software Engineer - Simulation & Digital Twin Architect

Job 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

We’re hiring a Principal Simulation & Digital Twin Architect to lead the software architecture for GM’s manufacturing Digital Twin & Simulation Platform. You’ll set the technical vision, connect best-in-class simulation engines and plant systems, and drive a multi-year roadmap that shapes how GM designs, validates, and runs our factories.

What you’ll do

• Own the end-to-end architecture for GM’s manufacturing Digital Twin & Simulation stack (plant models, AMR/cobot and equipment simulation, material flow, and integrations with PLM, CAD, MES, and data platforms).

• Define and maintain enterprise reference architectures, APIs, and data contracts used across plants and business units.

• Architect scalable data schemas and pipelines for ingesting and managing plant and floor data for both simulation and operational twins.

• Design modular, distributed simulation architectures that balance fidelity and cost across cloud and on-prem environments (e.g., Kubernetes, GPU clusters, data lakes).

• Lead cross-functional, multi-team initiatives; align teams and vendors to shared architectures and standards.

• Act as a principal technical voice for Digital Twin & Simulation, mentoring senior/staff/principal engineers and influencing technical direction across GM.

What you bring

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.

• 10+ years of software engineering experience, including principal-level architecture or technical leadership for large-scale, multi-team platforms or systems.

• Deep experience with at least one major 3D or manufacturing simulation environment (e.g., Unity, Unreal, NVIDIA Isaac/Omniverse).

• Proven track record integrating systems across PLM/CAD, MES/production, PLC/controls, and data/analytics platforms.

• Strong programming skills in C++, C#, Python, or similar, with experience designing APIs, services, and data models.

• Experience with cloud and on-prem environments (e.g., Kubernetes, GPU clusters, data lakes) for high-scale simulation and Digital Twin workloads.

Nice to have

• Experience with manufacturing and industrial automation: material-handling systems, AMRs, cobots, virtual commissioning, or PLC/HMI-driven digital twins.

• Familiarity with Teamcenter, Siemens Technomatix Process Simulate, or similar manufacturing engineering tools.

• Experience with SiL/HiL setups, scenario-based testing, and CI/CD-integrated simulation workflows.

• Understanding of cybersecurity and data governance for connected factory systems.

This role is categorized as remote. This means the selected candidate may be based anywhere in the country of work and is not expected to report to a GM worksite unless directed by their manager. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. 

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.