Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Hayward, CA

Job Description

The Role

General Motors is transforming the transportation industry through advanced electrical architectures, high-performance computing, and the integration of ADAS and infotainment capabilities. GM's SoftwareDefined Vehicle 2.0 (SDV2) platform is our nextgeneration centralized computing architecture. At the heart of this transformation is an in-house designed, liquid-cooled central compute unit, which is going to enable faster development cycles, more efficient software updates and seamless scalability across every GM brand.

As a Hardware Engineer - Central Compute, you will contribute to the design, development, and validation of next-generation high-compute ECUs that enable automated driving, vehicle intelligence, and immersive digital experiences.

This role is ideal for early-career engineers looking to grow within a world-class automotive organization.

Key Responsibilities

Hardware Design & Analysis

• Support schematic design, component selection, and circuit implementation for central compute ECUs (ADAS/IVI).
• Perform electrical analysis including power distribution, signal integrity, thermal considerations, and high-speed digital interface layout inputs.
• Assist in defining hardware requirements and interface specifications for SoCs, PMICs, DDR memory, PCIe/Ethernet PHYs, power regulators, and safety components.

Bring-Up & Validation

• Participate in board bring-up activities, including smoke testing, power-on sequencing, and debug of early prototype hardware.
• Execute bench-level testing for signal integrity, voltage/current measurements, thermal performance, and functional validation.
• Work with Staff and Senior engineers on root-cause analysis for hardware failures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with silicon partners and internal engineering teams focused on Hardware, Software and/or Feature Development
• Support coordination with software, systems, mechanical, EMC, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams.
• Contribute to design reviews and documentation aligned with GM's Global Vehicle Development Process (GVDP).

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure designs meet automotive standards including ISO 26262, AEC-Q100/200, EMC/EMI, design robustness, and manufacturability expectations.
• Assist with DFMEA creation, test coverage planning, and hardware validation traceability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in hardware design, electronics engineering, or embedded systems (internships/co-ops count).
• Basic knowledge of:
  • Digital electronics, microprocessors, and power supplies
  • High-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, USB, DDR)
  • Schematic capture and PCB design principles
• Hands-on experience using lab equipment (oscilloscope, multimeter, power supplies, logic analyzers).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with central compute, ADAS ECUs, infotainment, or embedded computing platforms.
• Understanding of automotive electronics standards and design for reliability.
• Exposure to EMC/EMI test practices or thermal analysis tools.
• Experience with tools such as Microsoft Office, Mentor Xpedition, Mathcad or similar.
• Effective communicator with willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation: The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position, as well as geography of the selected candidate.
The salary range for this role is 90,000- 136,200. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
Benefits:
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.

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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.

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