Platform Engineering Lead Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA
Platform Engineering Lead jobs in Sunnyvale are concentrated in the central business district along Murphy Avenue, the Peery Park tech corridor, and the broader innovation cluster near downtown, with demand driven by Google, Apple, and General Motors (GM) across semiconductor, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software. Competition is strong and openings move fast. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 132+ Platform Engineering Lead jobs
Job Description
Wok Arrangement: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Sunnyvale, CA three times per week at minimum or other frequency dictated by the business.
At General Motors, we are building a future with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. Our teams develop the software, systems and technology that make advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving safe, reliable and scalable across vehicle programs.
The Role
The Manager, Systems Engineering, AV Platform Software will lead a team of systems engineers responsible for defining, decomposing and managing requirements for foundational AV Platform Software capabilities. These capabilities provide the runtime, communication, lifecycle, diagnostic and operational functionality required for Autonomous Vehicle (AV) software to launch, operate safely, be serviced and be manufactured at scale.
This role combines technical leadership, systems engineering execution and people leadership. The manager will translate product, vehicle, safety, cybersecurity and program intent into implementable and testable software system requirements; establish clear interfaces across vehicle systems, software safety, cybersecurity, validation, manufacturing, service; and drive closure of technical risks through program milestones.
The role is expected to operate at the AV Platform Software layer across multiple vehicle platforms and Super Cruise programs, with responsibility for maintaining requirement quality, traceability, architecture and interface alignment within the assigned scope. The manager will help the organization deliver platform capabilities with the rigor required for safety critical, production intent autonomous vehicle software.
What You’ll Do
Lead a systems engineering team defining clear, traceable and verifiable requirements for AV Platform Software.
Own system decomposition, interfaces, risks, validation intent, lifecycle artifacts
Partner with software system architecture, development, verification and
validation, safety, cybersecurity, vehicle systems and program teams to resolve technical issues and maintain alignment.Establish the team roadmap, drive milestone readiness and communicate status, risks, decisions and recommendations to stakeholders.
Improve systems engineering effectiveness through reusable methods, metrics, automation, and responsible use of AI - enabled tools.
Build a high - performing team through thoughtful hiring, coaching, development, delegation, accountability, and performance management.
Foster an inclusive environment that encourages candid technical discussion, learning, collaboration, and alignment with GM behaviors.
Expected Outcomes and Measures of Success
Success in this role will be demonstrated through measurable improvement in the quality, Clear ownership and complete coverage of the assigned AV Platform Software systems and interfaces.
Requirements that are implementable, testable, prioritized, and traceable through the software lifecycle.
Reduced ambiguity and rework for software development, validation, service, manufacturing and vehicle integration teams.
Timely closure of critical platform, interface, cybersecurity, safety, diagnostic and launch readiness risks.
Improved readiness for AV Platform and vehicle program milestones, including launch and production intent events.
Effective collaboration across A V Platform software development , software safety, cybersecurity, verification and validation, vehicle systems, manufacturing, service, and supplier organizations.
A capable, engaged and growing systems engineering team with clear
accountability and strong technical depth.Reusable systems engineering methods, metrics and automation that scale across Super Cruise generations and future AV platforms.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, software engineering, computer technical related or , engineering, electrical engineering, computer science
10 or more years of experience in systems engineering, software engineering, embedded systems, vehicle systems, or a related technical field.
Experience leading systems engineering for automotive, autonomous vehicles , advanced driver assistance, robotics, aerospace or other safety - critical platforms .
Experience managing or leading technical teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, prioritization and delivery accountability.
Demonstrated experience translating system - level objectives into subsystem and software requirements, interface specifications and verification criteria.
Experience with requirements management, traceability, system decomposition, interface - control documentation, risk management and validation planning.
Experience working across software, hardware, safety, cybersecurity, validation, manufacturing, service and program - management organizations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical risks, tradeoffs and recommendations to senior leaders.
Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment and collaborate across locations and disciplines.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
Master’s degree in systems engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or a related technical discipline.
Experience with Autonomous Vehicle Platform software and defining requirements
Experience with automotive safety, cybersecurity, and software development standards and processes, such as ISO 26262, SOTIF, Automotive SPICE, and safety - critical development frameworks.
Experience with DNG , Jira, Jira Align or comparable requirements and lifecycle - management tools.
Experience delivering software or systems engineering for production vehicle launches, manufacturing , service or fleet operations .
Experience building engineering processes, metrics, automation or AI - enabled systems engineering workflows , MBSE .
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 compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of the California Bay Area.
The salary range for this role is ($189,300 - $290,700). 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.
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.
This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) NOW OR IN THE FUTURE
#LI-SA2
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.
Job Description
Wok Arrangement: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Sunnyvale, CA three times per week at minimum or other frequency dictated by the business.
At General Motors, we are building a future with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. Our teams develop the software, systems and technology that make advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving safe, reliable and scalable across vehicle programs.
The Role
The Manager, Systems Engineering, AV Platform Software will lead a team of systems engineers responsible for defining, decomposing and managing requirements for foundational AV Platform Software capabilities. These capabilities provide the runtime, communication, lifecycle, diagnostic and operational functionality required for Autonomous Vehicle (AV) software to launch, operate safely, be serviced and be manufactured at scale.
This role combines technical leadership, systems engineering execution and people leadership. The manager will translate product, vehicle, safety, cybersecurity and program intent into implementable and testable software system requirements; establish clear interfaces across vehicle systems, software safety, cybersecurity, validation, manufacturing, service; and drive closure of technical risks through program milestones.
The role is expected to operate at the AV Platform Software layer across multiple vehicle platforms and Super Cruise programs, with responsibility for maintaining requirement quality, traceability, architecture and interface alignment within the assigned scope. The manager will help the organization deliver platform capabilities with the rigor required for safety critical, production intent autonomous vehicle software.
What You’ll Do
Lead a systems engineering team defining clear, traceable and verifiable requirements for AV Platform Software.
Own system decomposition, interfaces, risks, validation intent, lifecycle artifacts
Partner with software system architecture, development, verification and
validation, safety, cybersecurity, vehicle systems and program teams to resolve technical issues and maintain alignment.Establish the team roadmap, drive milestone readiness and communicate status, risks, decisions and recommendations to stakeholders.
Improve systems engineering effectiveness through reusable methods, metrics, automation, and responsible use of AI - enabled tools.
Build a high - performing team through thoughtful hiring, coaching, development, delegation, accountability, and performance management.
Foster an inclusive environment that encourages candid technical discussion, learning, collaboration, and alignment with GM behaviors.
Expected Outcomes and Measures of Success
Success in this role will be demonstrated through measurable improvement in the quality, Clear ownership and complete coverage of the assigned AV Platform Software systems and interfaces.
Requirements that are implementable, testable, prioritized, and traceable through the software lifecycle.
Reduced ambiguity and rework for software development, validation, service, manufacturing and vehicle integration teams.
Timely closure of critical platform, interface, cybersecurity, safety, diagnostic and launch readiness risks.
Improved readiness for AV Platform and vehicle program milestones, including launch and production intent events.
Effective collaboration across A V Platform software development , software safety, cybersecurity, verification and validation, vehicle systems, manufacturing, service, and supplier organizations.
A capable, engaged and growing systems engineering team with clear
accountability and strong technical depth.Reusable systems engineering methods, metrics and automation that scale across Super Cruise generations and future AV platforms.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, software engineering, computer technical related or , engineering, electrical engineering, computer science
10 or more years of experience in systems engineering, software engineering, embedded systems, vehicle systems, or a related technical field.
Experience leading systems engineering for automotive, autonomous vehicles , advanced driver assistance, robotics, aerospace or other safety - critical platforms .
Experience managing or leading technical teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, prioritization and delivery accountability.
Demonstrated experience translating system - level objectives into subsystem and software requirements, interface specifications and verification criteria.
Experience with requirements management, traceability, system decomposition, interface - control documentation, risk management and validation planning.
Experience working across software, hardware, safety, cybersecurity, validation, manufacturing, service and program - management organizations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical risks, tradeoffs and recommendations to senior leaders.
Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment and collaborate across locations and disciplines.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
Master’s degree in systems engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or a related technical discipline.
Experience with Autonomous Vehicle Platform software and defining requirements
Experience with automotive safety, cybersecurity, and software development standards and processes, such as ISO 26262, SOTIF, Automotive SPICE, and safety - critical development frameworks.
Experience with DNG , Jira, Jira Align or comparable requirements and lifecycle - management tools.
Experience delivering software or systems engineering for production vehicle launches, manufacturing , service or fleet operations .
Experience building engineering processes, metrics, automation or AI - enabled systems engineering workflows , MBSE .
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 compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of the California Bay Area.
The salary range for this role is ($189,300 - $290,700). 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.
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.
This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) NOW OR IN THE FUTURE
#LI-SA2
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.
See All 132+ Platform Engineering Lead Jobs in Sunnyvale
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Find JobsPlatform Engineering Lead Job Market in Sunnyvale
Who's Hiring
- Google53
- Apple26
- General Motors (GM)26
- Radar13
- CRUSOE13
Top Industries Hiring
- Banking & Financial Services
Platform Engineering Lead Jobs in Sunnyvale: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a platform engineering lead job in Sunnyvale?
The strongest path into a platform engineering lead role in Sunnyvale is through the city's dense concentration of semiconductor firms, cloud infrastructure companies, and enterprise software shops clustered in Peery Park and along the Highway 101 corridor. Candidates who can demonstrate hands-on experience with distributed systems, CI/CD pipelines, and platform reliability stand out most. Prior experience at a mid-size or large Sunnyvale tech employer, or at a company with engineering operations comparable in scale, gives applicants a clear edge in this market.
Which companies hire platform engineering leads in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale platform engineering lead roles are posted by Google, Apple, and General Motors (GM) and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. The local employer base skews heavily toward established tech and semiconductor companies with large internal infrastructure teams rather than early-stage startups.
Are there remote platform engineering lead jobs in Sunnyvale?
Yes, though remote availability is moderate for this role since platform engineering leads often coordinate closely with on-site infrastructure and security teams. About 50% of platform engineering lead openings tied to Sunnyvale are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with fully remote arrangements more common for employers whose primary systems work happens in the cloud rather than on physical data center hardware.
How can I get a platform engineering lead job in Sunnyvale with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Sunnyvale is moving into a platform engineering lead role from a senior site reliability engineer or DevOps engineer position at one of the city's mid-size infrastructure-heavy tech employers. Sunnyvale companies in the semiconductor and cloud tooling space regularly develop internal talent, so lateral moves from adjacent engineering roles are common. Building demonstrated project ownership on platform initiatives, even in a contributor capacity, closes the gap faster than credentials alone.
Which industries hire the most platform engineering leads in Sunnyvale?
Most platform engineering lead openings in Sunnyvale sit in Banking & Financial Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Sunnyvale's long-standing role as a hub for semiconductor design and cloud infrastructure means these sectors maintain some of the largest and most active engineering platform teams in the region.
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