Principal AV Safety Engineer: SOTIF and Human Factors at General Motors Montgomery, AL

Location: Montgomery, AL.

Remote: Yes. The successful candidate may be based anywhere in the United States. This role will not require regular travel to a GM worksite unless directed by their manager.

Job Overview: The Safety Assurance for Effective Autonomous Driving Software (SAFE‑ADS) department is part of GM’s Global Product Safety, System, and Certification (GPSSC) organization. This role reports directly to the Head of AV Safety Strategy and Assessment and supports the program test and production safety cases for automated driving systems. The Principal Safety & System Engineer focuses on human factors within the system, ensuring that the human driver’s role is fully integrated into safety assumptions, analyses, and design.

Responsibilities: Identify and monitor key performance metrics and indicators to ensure process and continuous improvement; report safety issues, trends, and recommendations to development program teams and executives. Perform risk assessment for safety‑critical operations using quantitative (STPAs) and qualitative methods. Support system human interfaces through safety analysis techniques, including usability, mental load, ergonomics, and workload considerations. Develop requirements with systems engineering to account for human interface, usability, ergonomics, and to minimize the potential for human error that could lead to safety‑critical scenarios. Assist with the development and execution of the safety audit program strategy and plan to ensure effective safety controls. Support root‑cause analysis and implement corrective action plans to eliminate or minimize exposure to identified risks. Review concept of operations, operational procedures, training materials and operational changes for hazards; develop operational safety requirements to embed in processes. Partner with systems and engineering teams to develop methods to identify emerging risk trends. Champion safety case technical claims related to the human driver and work with the safety case team to establish and execute safety‑case assessment plans.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Human Factors Engineering, Psychology, Safety or System Engineering, or a related technical degree. 10+ years of industry experience in human factors engineering, engineering test, or systems engineering. Experience developing and evaluating human interfaces (e.g., workspace analysis, human modeling, ergonomics analysis, flight controls layout, human‑computer interaction). Familiarity with Safety of the Intended Functionality, e.g., international standard ISO/PAS 2144. Expertise in hazard analysis techniques such as System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). Real‑time operations experience on a complex system with high consequences in the event of failure (e.g., pilot, flight test engineer, spacecraft operator, high‑performance automotive, technical diving). Ability to build trust and confidence with the operations team and influence continuous improvement for systems safety. Demonstrated GM behaviors and safety professionalism in decision‑making and everyday activities. Enjoy working in a collegial, highly fast‑paced, and effective culture. Thrive in ambiguity, crafting simplicity and order. Passion for self‑driving car technology, safety, and its impact on the world. Excellent judgment and ability to remain unbiased and independent throughout all safety activities. Proven track record of root‑cause analysis in complex human factors and SW/HW systems. Ability to learn quickly, starting with little information and becoming an expert in your domain. Proven experience communicating complex problems and data‑driven decisions to leadership. Strong project management skills to coordinate multiple risk assessment work streams simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications: Proficiency in extracting insights from and applying expert‑provided data in quantitative risk assessments, reliability analysis, and/or statistical data analysis. Expertise in Human & Organizational Performance and/or Systems Safety. Expertise in safety analysis for autonomous vehicles or similar industry. Experience within an operating Safety Management System. Understanding of STPA and its application. Familiarity with JIRA and JAMA. Compensation The expected base compensation for this role is $193,600–$296,600 USD annually. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position. Bonus potential is available through an incentive pay program based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts. Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions. Sickness and accident benefits. Life insurance. Paid vacation and holidays. Tuition assistance programs. Employee assistance program. GM vehicle discounts. Relocation This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Statements General Motors is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. GM is committed to providing a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and advancing equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. All practices and decisions relating to terms and conditions of employment are made without regard to an individual’s protected characteristics.