150 Australian engineering jobs announced by General Motors Tuesday, 28 August 2018

General Motors, the parent company of Holden, has announced it will add 150 engineers to its Australian operations to work on future technology for autonomous vehicles and electric powertrains.

The move will take the local workforce up to 500, with Holden executive director of engineering, Brett Vivian, saying the company is targeting “the best of the best” of Australia’s established and graduate engineers.

“We want to harness the best young engineering minds in the country,” Vivian said. “This is an incredible opportunity to work on GM’s global products, and to be at the forefront of industry innovation.

“We’re looking for forward-thinking people with a passion for creating revolutionary solutions; people who can work collaborative and have strong communication skills.”

And automotive engineering experience is desired – but not a pre-requisite, he revealed.

GM executive vice president global product development, purchasing and supply chain, Mark Reuss, a mechanical engineer himself, said the new Australian engineers would be fully integrated into the company’s global engineering team.

The jobs announcement was made while Reuss was visiting Holden HQ before setting off for the Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria, where Holden and international GM vehicles have been tested for the last six decades.

Brett Vivian said the announcement comes on the back of significant upgrades to the emissions test lab and testing tracks at Lang Lang.

“The engineering unit has a bright future undertaking important local and global work, from ensuring imported vehicles can master Australia’s unique driving conditions to developing technologies that will power the future of mobility globally,” Vivian said.

Holden will now spend up to $120 million annually on automotive research and development. Its Melbourne-based design studio, GM Design Australia, has reportedly been working on advanced designs, with a number of futuristic concept cars already shipped to GM’s main studio in Michigan for assessment.

 

Image: Holden’s Lang Lang Proving Ground, 73 km south-east of Melbourne.