Director Optical Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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.

As a Stamping Vision Engineer you will be responsible for design, implementation, and optimization of machine vision systems for our manufacturing operations. You will be the subject matter expert, responsible for designing, validating, and optimizing novel vision systems to monitor and control the quality of our stamping systems and stamped parts for the press and automation engineering team. This includes being skilled in robot guidance and inspection vision systems along with sequence and flow of operations for the effective utilization of machines, equipment, and facilities necessary to manufacture parts.

In this role, you would be responsible for working with other team members on problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives daily to achieve operational excellence. This position is responsible for defining requirements, execution of design, analysis, development, testing and control of vision engineering projects for stamping facilities. You will also be required to provide technical direction over other engineers or engineering support personnel and may have work direction responsibilities over a small group with specific engineering objectives both at supplier build shops and stamping facilities.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement machine vision solutions for quality inspection, defect detection, robot guidance, automated part racking, and process monitoring.
• Specify, procure, validate, and upgrade vision system components such as cameras, lenses, lighting, and software while incorporating your experiences with external lights, lighting, filters, and lenses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and work with controls engineering and IT partners to establish requirements for associated vision systems while analyzing vision system performance to identify areas for improvement in accuracy, reliability, and speed.
• Lead efforts in root cause analysis and corrective actions related to vision system findings. Utilize vision system data to diagnose issues, identify trends, and improve manufacturing processes. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to vision systems and equipment.
• Support training of production staff on the operation and maintenance of vision systems. Maintain comprehensive documentation for vision system design, development, and implementation.
• Work with engineering functions, suppliers, plant personnel and others to implement cost reduction, methods, and manufacturing improvements.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical and/or Computer, Manufacturing Systems Engineering, or Computer Science) or equivalent experience will be considered. Master of Science degree is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in developing and maintaining vision systems in a manufacturing, preferably in product quality inspection systems.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time domestically and internationally.
• High level of integrity, ability to deal with ambiguity, take initiative/self-directed.
• Experience in coordinating design & construction activities – preferably in automotive manufacturing facilities.
• Experience with project management methodologies to manage budget constraints, varying production schedules and OEM counterparts.
• Understanding of Microsoft software including MS Project.
• Ability to use CAD systems (ie. AutoCAD, Unigraphics, SOLIDWORKS, Teamcenter, Teamcenter Visualization, etc.).

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• 5+ years of experience in developing and maintaining vision systems in a manufacturing, preferably in product quality inspection systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing vision system platforms (e.g., Matrox, Cognex, Keyence, PhotoNEO, Fanuc 2D/3D) and programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, OpenCV).
• Strong understanding of image processing algorithms, optics, and lighting principles.
• Hands-on experience with industrial automation systems (e.g., PLCs, robotics).
• Familiarity with advanced defect detection techniques, AI-based vision systems, and SPC methodologies.
• Experience in related STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) field.