Jobs · Engineering · California

Staff Hardware Engineer– GNSS Connectivity

General Motors · Sunnyvale, CA · 3 mo ago
HybridEngineering$160k–$245k/yrFull-time

About the role

The Role In-vehicle connectivity and precise positioning are critical enablers for advanced driver assistance, autonomous driving, and connected vehicle services. We are seeking a Staff Hardware Engineer– GNSS to lead the definition, design, and validation of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) solutions for our current and future generations of connectivity and compute platforms across a broad range of vehicles. This role will serve as the subject matter expert for GNSS hardware and system performance, working closely with product, systems, RF, hardware design, suppliers, and validation teams to deliver robust, automotive-grade GNSS solutions.

Responsibilities

  • System & Requirements Ownership Define end-to-end GNSS hardware and system requirements for connectivity and compute modules, including RF front-end, baseband, timing, and antenna interfaces.

  • Translate product and vehicle-level requirements into clear, testable engineering specifications for GNSS performance (sensitivity, accuracy, availability, robustness, TTFF, jamming/spoofing resilience, etc.).

  • Own GNSS-related sections of hardware requirement documents, design guidelines, and interface specifications.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with Product Management and Systems Engineering to understand use cases, feature roadmaps, and vehicle integration constraints, and reflect them in GNSS hardware requirements.

  • Partner with Vehicle Integration and Validation teams to align GNSS performance metrics and test plans with vehicle-level targets.

  • Lead and participate in design and technical reviews focused on GNSS architecture, hardware design, and validation strategy.

  • Supplier & Roadmap Leadership Work with GNSS chipset/module and RF component suppliers to:

    • Evaluate and select GNSS solutions (chipsets, modules, LNAs, filters, antenna components).
    • Influence supplier technology roadmaps to align with our long-term product strategy.
    • Collaborate with Purchasing to:
      • Evaluate and score technical proposals and RFQs.
      • Provide clear technical recommendations balancing performance, cost, risk, and scalability.
      • Review and assess supplier test procedures and results for GNSS performance and compliance with internal standards.
  • Hardware Design & RF Integration Work closely with Hardware Design and RF Engineering teams to:

    • Develop schematics for GNSS signal chains, including RF front-end, matching networks, filtering, and protection circuitry.
    • Review and approve PCB layouts for GNSS sections, focusing on RF best practices, grounding, isolation, controlled impedance, and coexistence with cellular, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and UWB.
    • Support design reviews, root-cause analysis, and issue resolution related to GNSS performance, EMC/EMI, and interference/coexistence.
  • Lab & Conducted Testing Define and execute conducted RF test plans for GNSS, including:

    • Sensitivity and dynamic range.
    • C/N₀, phase noise, and insertion loss characterization.
    • Jamming and interference susceptibility, including coexistence with other in-vehicle radios.
    • Develop test setups, fixtures, and automation for GNSS conducted characterization using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, GNSS simulators/recorders, and RF switch matrices.
    • Analyze test data and provide clear, actionable design feedback to internal teams and suppliers.
  • Vehicle-Level GNSS Performance & Test Cases Define end-to-end vehicle-level GNSS performance requirements and KPIs, including:

    • Position accuracy, availability, continuity, and integrity across driving scenarios.
    • TTFF (cold/warm/hot start) and reacquisition.
    • Performance in challenging environments (urban canyon, tunnels, foliage, multipath, RF interference).
  • Develop vehicle-level GNSS test cases and procedures, including:

    • Drive routes, scenario definitions, and logging requirements.
    • Test methods using GNSS record/playback, reference receivers, and post-processing tools.
    • Support execution and analysis of vehicle-level tests, working with validation and field test teams to identify root causes and corrective actions for performance issues.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

  • 10+ years of experience in GNSS and/or RF hardware design, system integration, or validation.

  • Strong understanding of GNSS systems and standards, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and SBAS.

  • Proven experience translating system-level performance requirements into detailed hardware, design, and test specifications.

  • Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, GNSS simulators/recorders, power meters, etc.).

  • Demonstrated experience with schematic design and PCB layout review for RF/GNSS circuits.

  • Experience collaborating with suppliers and purchasing on technical evaluations, design reviews, and roadmap alignment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Electrical/Electronics/Computer Engineering or related discipline.

  • Experience with automotive GNSS applications, including vehicle-level integration and validation.

  • Familiarity with coexistence between GNSS and other wireless systems (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB) and corresponding mitigation techniques.

  • Knowledge of automotive EMC/EMI and regulatory standards relevant to GNSS and RF systems.

  • Experience with RF and EM simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS) and system modeling (e.g., MATLAB).

  • Knowledge of GNSS antenna design or integration, including active antenna systems and multi-band configurations.

  • Experience with test automation and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar tools).

Pay

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 compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington. The expected base compensation for this role is: $160,000 - $245,000. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

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.

About GM

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.

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