Principal Graph Analytics Engineer

Description
Work Classification:
Hybrid: This means the successful candidate is expected to report to their primary location (Milford, MI) three times per week, at minimum, or other frequency dictated by the business.
The Role:
We are seeking a Principal Engineer with deep expertise in Graph Theory to lead the design of advanced algorithms and data structures for complex, large-scale systems within the Vehicle Systems & Embedded Engineering (VSEE) organization, supporting our transition to a next-generation Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader with a PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field with a strong research record in graph theory and a track record of successfully applying that work to real-world engineering problems.
You will be the principal technical authority for how we model, analyze, and exploit large-scale vehicle, network, and backend graphs, guiding top-level architectural decisions that shape how the broader technical community applies graph-based analysis to solve difficult SDV engineering challenges.
You will shape technical strategy, mentor senior engineers, and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver high-impact solutions grounded in rigorous mathematics. This is not a pure research role; success requires translating advanced theoretical work into scalable, maintainable production systems and influencing how multiple teams adopt and apply these methods. While not expected to be the primary implementer for all systems, you will remain technically hands-on through prototyping, reviews, and critical-path contributions.
In the context of SDV, example problem spaces include:

• Analyzing software, service, and configuration dependency graphs to understand impact, risk, blast radius, and safe rollout strategies (including OTA updates)
• Optimizing compute, network, and storage placement and performing fault and safety analysis using graph-based representations of in-vehicle and offboard systems
• Building and querying graph-based knowledge and lifecycle models that connect requirements, architecture, implementation, verification, and fleet data for SDV

What You'll Do:

• Set graph-based technical direction : Own the graph-theoretic architecture and strategy for SDV-relevant systems and platforms, including standards for correctness, scalability, and reliability.
• Apply advanced graph theory to SDV problems: Formulate key SDV challenges such as graph-based modeling or combinatorial optimization problems and drive advanced graph-based algorithms (including for NP-hard classes) from prototype to production.
• Design and review graph-based systems: Lead end-to-end designs that use graph-based models across data, compute, and APIs, partnering with platform and infrastructure teams to ensure workloads are efficient, observable, and resilient.
• Elevate the graph-based technical community: Mentor senior and staff engineers, align cross-functional teams on problem framing and solution approaches, and provide internal and external thought leadership (design reviews, talks, publications).

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):

• Master's in Mathematics, Computer Science, Operations Research, or a closely related field, with a strong focus on graph theory.
• 8+ years of post-education experience in algorithm design and large-scale systems, with a proven track record of applying graph-theoretic concepts to real engineering problems and taking models from prototype to production.
• Deep expertise in graph-based algorithms and optimization, including:
  
  • Core graph-based algorithms (e.g., paths, flows, connectivity, matchings, spanning trees, graph search, spectral methods).
  • Network and combinatorial optimization, with practical approaches to NP-complete and NP-hard problems (e.g., relaxations, approximation algorithms, heuristics).
  • Analysis of algorithms: time/space complexity and probabilistic/approximation analysis.
• Strong software engineering skills:
  
  • Proficiency in at least one systems or production language (e.g., C++, Rust, Java, Go) and one high-level language (e.g., Python).
  • Experience with data structures, distributed systems concepts, and performance optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  
  • Lead multi-team, multi-quarter initiatives as the primary technical owner.
  • Communicate complex mathematical ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Make pragmatic trade-offs between theoretical optimality and engineering constraints.

What Can Give You A Competitive Edge ( Preferred Qualifications):

• PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, Operations Research, or a closely related field, with a strong focus on graph theory.
• 10+ years of post-education experience in algorithm design and large-scale systems, with a proven track record of applying graph-theoretic concepts to real engineering problems and taking models from prototype to production.
• Experience building or working with graph databases, graph processing frameworks, or large-scale graph analytics platforms.
• Contributions to peer-reviewed publications in graph theory, algorithms, or related areas.
• Experience in one or more domains where graphs are central, such as:
  
  • Routing, logistics, and network design
  • Recommender systems and knowledge graphs
  • Dependency analysis and configuration management
  • Reliability, resilience, or fault propagation in complex networks
• Prior experience as a Principal / Staff / Distinguished Engineer or equivalent, with:
  
  • A track record of raising the technical bar across teams.
  • Experience mentoring PhD-level talent and senior engineers.

Company Vehicle:
Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate. Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.
Benefits:
GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.
Relocation:
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.
Total Rewards | 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 [email protected] 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.