Exterior Lighting Optical Engineer

General Motors

Exterior Lighting Optical Engineer at General Motors defining advanced optical systems for vehicles. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative lighting solutions for both EV and ICE platforms.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeWarren • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Collaborate with Design, suppliers, and internal engineering teams to integrate optical solutions into exterior lighting systems
Perform optical simulations and analyses to optimize lighting performance and appearance
Define and develop optical requirements for exterior lighting components
Lead development of Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) and other advanced lighting features, including virtual validation and vehicle-level testing
Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements and GM internal standards
Provide technical guidance to DREs, designers, and suppliers on optical design and feasibility
Support vehicle integration, packaging, and early concept development activities
Identify opportunities for innovation based on market trends and emerging technologies
Participate in vehicle development night drives and validation activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field
Minimum 5 years of optical engineering experience, preferably in automotive lighting
Strong understanding of light propagation, optical design principles, and lighting performance requirements
Experience developing electro-mechanical products in a cross-functional environment
Ability to create and interpret technical requirements across hardware and software systems
Strong problem-solving skills with a physics-based approach
Effective communication and collaboration skills

Benefits

Comp & perks

This role is eligible for relocation benefits
Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible work hours
Paid time off

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

optical simulationsoptical designAdaptive Driving Beam (ADB)lighting performance optimizationelectro-mechanical product developmenttechnical requirements interpretationlight propagationoptical design principlesvehicle-level testingcompliance with regulatory requirements

Soft Skills

problem-solvingeffective communicationcollaborationtechnical guidanceinnovation identification

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in EngineeringBachelor’s degree in PhysicsBachelor’s degree in Optics