Senior Optical Engineer - Head-Up Display (HUD)

Our Mission: 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 Location: Hybrid (Onsite 1–3 days/week (Tues., Wed., Thurs.) Organization: Global Instrument Panel Cluster & HUD Engineering Job Type: Full-Time (Hybrid) Role Overview The HUD Optical Senior Engineer is responsible for end-to-end ownership of optical system performance design across development and validation. This role drives build to print design definition, execution, and governance of optical design and validation, ensuring robust execution, early issue identification, and alignment across programs. This position is a key enabler of GM’s in-house HUD strategy.

Own optical system performance across requirements, design, validation, and launch Design for build to print, Head Up Display relay optics ensuring the FOV, luminance, distortion, ghosting, image stability design criteria are enabled Create 3D optical models and simulations encompassing the Head Up Display relay optics, ray bundle, eye-box, reflection scatter, windshield wedge, and thermal loads. Lead optical design direction and performance trade-offs Develop and govern optical validation strategies (virtual, bench, vehicle) Drive early risk identification through optical simulation and system-level validation Ensure design alignment with mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces Lead supplier Optical design reviews to assess feasibility and risks Ensure optical design alignment to Head Up Display strategy for dimming and brightness control Support prototype and production root cause analysis and resolution of optical issues Provide clear, data-driven updates and recommendations to leadership Tools & Software Requirements Optical simulation tools (Ansys, Zemax, Speos, LightTools) 3D CAD tools (NX, Vis MockUp, CATIA, Creo) Optical visualization and rendering tools Data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python) Validation and issue tracking tools (Jira, PRTS) Virtual validation and model correlation platforms Organizational Impact Establish clear ownership and governance of optical build to print design and performance Drive consistent execution and engineering rigor across programs Enable early optical design issue detection and reduce late-stage rework Strengthen cross-functional alignment Support scalable, GM-owned HUD capability Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field 5+ years of experience in optical system design or validation Experience with optical simulation tools Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams Preferred Qualifications Experience in automotive HUD systems Knowledge of advanced optics (waveguide, AR, projection systems) Experience with virtual validation and model correlation Familiarity with GM processes (PRTS, ECR, validation frameworks) Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) DFSS / Six Sigma experience #LI-SW1 Why Join Us At GM, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles . You’ll work on cutting-edge antenna systems alongside some of the brightest minds in automotive and RF technology — with the resources to make an impact at scale. We offer competitive compensation, growth opportunities, and a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and forward thinking . This is a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and help millions of customers around the world