Employee Spotlight – Jordie McAuley
2018-10-04
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Meet Jordie McAuley, Engineer and adventure seeker based out of our Canadian Technical Centre Oshawa campus. A passion for innovation and tech brought Jordie to GM where he is currently part of our Engineering Development Opportunity program. He is also a big advocate for extra-curriculars and is on many of GM’s sports teams! Read his full story here.
1) How long have you been at GM and what is your current role?
I have been at GM full-time for just over a year. I also completed a 16-month internship when I was still in university. I am currently in the Engineering Development Opportunity (EDO) program. It’s a rotational position that allows me to try out different roles throughout GM and learn the automotive industry. From marketing to manufacturing, hardware design to software and autonomous vehicles, you can always find me somewhere new.
2) What brought you to GM for your internship?
I actually started off my professional career with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The following year, I saw a posting that was every mechanical engineer’s dream – a technical role with one of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. It was an easy decision. Fast forward two and a half years later, and I have no regrets!
3) What is the best part about your job?
Every position has great opportunities, ensuring that I am always on my toes and learning something new. Combined with the amazing extra-curriculars, it’s honestly hard to say what my favourite aspect would be. Who else has played trampoline dodgeball with their boss (and his boss!)? Top that with an awesome trip to Whistler, BC with some coworkers and you know that you have found the right workplace.
4) How has GM helped you grow?
On the technical side of things, the level of expertise and breadth of knowledge in the people here is staggering. When people are as helpful and friendly as they have been, it really feels as if there is no limit to what I can learn. I have held five different positions at GM so far, and every time I need to start from scratch. This constant change has greatly improved my ability to learn and network with coworkers. The real levels of responsibility have allowed me to become comfortable presenting and discussing technical results and information with anyone in the company!
5) What’s your favourite GM vehicle?
A year ago I would have said the Cadillac CTS V (RWD, 6.2L supercharged V8 putting out 640 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque) without hesitation, but after a winter driving a fully loaded Silverado, I could be convinced otherwise…
6) If you could drive to one place where would it be?
I would drive to the Isle of Man. Every year the island hosts what is considered to be one of the most dangerous motorcycle races in the world. The “Isle of Man TT” has captured my imagination ever since I got my first motorcycle. It would be a dream to be able to race in it. If you haven’t seen it before, I would highly recommend watching it. It gets your adrenaline pumping through the screen.
7) What do you do on your free time?
I have recently picked up scuba diving as a hobby, and I may never go back. It is truly an amazing experience. That being said, it’s hard to do on a Monday night. Most weeknights you will find me playing basketball, soccer, mountain biking, or any other activity that my coworkers have roped me into (to be honest, sometimes I rope them in too).
8) What’s the last thing you watched on tv?
It would not be surprising to walk into my house and see re-runs of The Office on TV. “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little-stitious.”
9) If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I love to cook and would definitely spend more time in the kitchen. Pad Thai is one of my favourite dishes to make when I have the time for it.