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Vehicle Architecture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Vehicle Controls Engineer

Seattle, WA

$110K - $145K/yr

Understanding of embedded systems architecture, including microcontrollers, sensors, and communication interfaces, with specific experience with CAN in embedded vehicle systems. * Demonstrated solid ...

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How much do vehicle architecture jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle architecture in the United States is $16.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Vehicle Architecture vs Vehicle Design?

AspectVehicle ArchitectureVehicle Design
Primary FocusOverall vehicle structure, systems integration, and engineering layoutExterior and interior aesthetics, styling, and user experience
Required SkillsMechanical engineering, systems integration, CAD, engineering principlesIndustrial design, creativity, CAD, ergonomics
Work EnvironmentEngineering labs, R&D centers, manufacturing plantsDesign studios, concept development labs
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, engineering firmsAutomotive brands, design studios, suppliers

Vehicle Architecture focuses on the technical and engineering aspects of vehicle structure and systems, ensuring safety and functionality. Vehicle Design emphasizes aesthetics and user experience, shaping the vehicle's appearance and interior. Both roles are essential in automotive development but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What is vehicle architecture?

Vehicle architecture refers to the fundamental design and structural layout of a vehicle, including how its major systems—such as the chassis, powertrain, electrical systems, and body components—are organized and integrated. It serves as the blueprint for vehicle development, ensuring that all parts work together efficiently to meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. Vehicle architects play a crucial role in balancing factors like weight, cost, manufacturing complexity, and future scalability when defining these frameworks.

How does a Vehicle Architecture professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development process?

Vehicle Architecture professionals regularly work with design, engineering, manufacturing, and electronics teams to ensure all vehicle systems integrate seamlessly. They facilitate communication between different departments to resolve technical challenges and align on requirements, timelines, and budgets. This role often involves coordinating design reviews, troubleshooting integration issues, and making decisions that balance performance, cost, and manufacturability. Effective collaboration is essential for delivering a cohesive vehicle that meets safety, regulatory, and customer expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vehicle Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vehicle Architect, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, with expertise in vehicle systems integration and design principles. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards such as ISO 26262 or AUTOSAR is typically essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set candidates apart in managing complex projects and cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure that vehicle designs meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements while fostering innovation and efficiency.
More about Vehicle Architecture jobs
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Architecture jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Architecture job openings:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Architecture jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Architecture jobs are:
Vehicle & Manufacturing Architect (VMA)

Vehicle & Manufacturing Architect (VMA)

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 304 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Description

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 peopleas we aim to makedriving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

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.

The Role

This is a newly developed role in Vehicle and Surface Integration and AVDC. The Vehicle & Manufacturing Architect (VMA) serves as the single voice of a vehicle architecture, uniting Engineering Functions, Manufacturing, and Studio with a shared vision. This role is a leader of collaboration, guiding all stakeholders to deliver Decision Fixed Points (DFPs), world class compartment integration, and theme enabled surfaces.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

The VMA is the driving force behind Vehicle and Surface Integration.

  • Leadership: Stand as the single point of leadership for architecture, surface integration, and cross-compartment collaboration, driving the success of Engineering with Simplicity (EWS) metrics and AFPs/DFPS. The VMA will lead CAMs, SAMs, CIDEs and SDES within their own team. They will indirectly lead part owners and designers towards total integration.

  • Total Vehicle Integration: Take the helm of Total Vehicle Integration, ensuring seamless collaboration across all functions and championing Execution Efficiency.

  • Decision Making: Own the Decision-Making process with confidence, guiding Integration with a visionary approach.

  • Collaboration: Foster a culture of shared knowledge, encouraging other VMAs to embrace lessons learned and propel architectures forward.

  • Benchmarking: Exhibit a profound understanding of benchmarking, inspiring your team to reach new heights in integrated architecture and theme enablement.

  • Innovation: Lead the charge in discovering new efficiencies, paving the way for a more streamlined GVDP.

  • Capable People Leader that can develop a strong team with an eye towards Best-In-Class Integration.

  • Craft and harmonize engineering and manufacturing imperatives with Design's creative vision.

  • Be the representative of Studio and Surface Integration, bringing your leadership to program balance.

  • Communicate program status with clarity, propelling informed decision-making.

  • Seamlessly weave Studio surfaces with Engineering criteria, ensuring a design space that's both viable and visionary.

  • Advocate for Occupant Accommodations, protecting the customer's experience of Visibility, Spaciousness, Access, Storage, Cargo, and Driver Accommodation.

  • Lead the virtual integration of the vehicle with foresight and innovation.

  • Proactively address and resolve issues, ensuring a smooth journey towards excellence.

  • Optimize BOM re-use with strategic insight.

  • Safeguard architecture bandwidth while resolving issues with creativity.

  • Support the artistic journey of Design surface development with technical acumen.

  • Contribute engineering insights to shape the future of clinic properties and mock-up activities.

  • Engage in Math Sync points and Virtual Reviews with a keen eye for detail.

  • Champion the UG surface release process, aiding in the crafting of final surfaces.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or other relevant degree

  • 10 Years of relevant engineering experience

  • Knowledge in CAD systems. Capable to run Vis and full knowledge of the processes used to create math

  • Renowned expertise in program execution and balancing requirements.

  • Deep knowledge of GVDP

  • Comprehensive understanding of GM's global vehicle engineering efforts

  • Proven ability to optimize vehicle design at a holistic level

  • Strong capability to collaborate with global partners

  • A high level of full vehicle knowledge capable of driving the total enterprise solution for issues.

  • Strong business acumen of all sides of the business (Product/Manufacturing/Purchasing/Marketing)

  • Strong benchmarking capabilities that can be used to guide decision making

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Master of Science Degree in Engineering

  • 12 years of experience in a related field, building a legacy of innovation and success

  • Strong Supplemental Manufacturing Experiences

  • People leader experience

  • DFSS Black Belt certification

#LI-KM2

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits. This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Report review.

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.

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 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.


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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908