Lead Design Release Engineer - GM Defense

General Motors

Lead Design Release Engineer - GM Defense

Reposted 23 Hours Ago

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Warren MI USA

Hybrid

Senior level

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The Role

Lead Design Release Engineers are responsible for major subsystems in defense programs overseeing design validation compliance and cross-functional collaboration.

Summary Generated by Built In

Description
General Motors Defense has multiple positions open! Please apply to be considered for a role in: Chassis Body Interior Electrical Software Powertrain/RESS
About GM Defense
GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles and mobility solutions to defense government and security customers by leveraging the best of General Motors' commercial technologies. We rapidly adapt proven architectures components and processes from GM's global portfolio to meet demanding military and government requirements for performance survivability reliability and total lifecycle cost.
The Role
GM Defense is seeking Lead Design Release Engineers to serve as the single accountable engineering owners for major subsystems on current and future defense programs.
Open roles support the following domains:

Chassis (frame suspension steering brakes wheels/tires driveline)
Body / Exterior / Structures (BIW closures armor integration exteriors glazing underbody)
Interior (seating restraints IP/console trim HVAC interfaces human factors)
Electrical (low-voltage distribution harnesses controllers sensors/actuators power management)
Software / Controls (embedded software vehicle features diagnostics cybersecurity integration of COTS and defense-specific software)
Powertrain / RESS (engine integration transmission/driveline interfaces cooling fuel systems propulsion packaging high-voltage battery systems battery controls charging interfaces energy management)

In this role you will own requirements design release validation issue resolution and lifecycle change management for your assigned subsystem. You will drive technical direction across the program and ensure GM Defense solutions meet performance safety quality cost schedule and compliance targets.
What You'll Do
Technical Ownership

Serve as the single accountable engineering owner for a major subsystem from concept through production and sustainment
Translate customer regulatory and military standards into clear technical requirements and design targets
Own and maintain subsystem requirements DFMEAs DVPRs BOMs and CAD/CAE data
Lead architecture definition trade studies and technical decision-making across the subsystem

Design & Release

Lead the design selection and integration of components using GM production content Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) and bespoke defense solutions
Ensure designs are packaged manufacturable serviceable and compatible with armor mission equipment and adjacent vehicle systems
Execute formal part release and configuration control in GMD systems including SOR ICD BOM drawings and specifications
Drive engineering changes and configuration decisions across variants.

Validation & Quality

Define and lead validation plans across bench vehicle and field test environments
Drive issue identification root cause analysis containment and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods
Support safety durability EMC environmental and survivability test activities including readiness reviews and issue resolution

Cross-Functional Integration

Lead coordination with systems engineering vehicle integration manufacturing supply chain quality and program management
Interface directly with suppliers and technical partners setting expectations and reviewing designs analyses and validation evidence
Support build events at GM and partner sites resolving integration launch and field issues in real time

Program Execution

Develop and maintain engineering timing deliverables technical risks and mitigation plans for the subsystem
Provide clear status risk and trade-off recommendations to program leadership and customer-facing teams
Support RFI/RFP responses
Mentor and provide technical leadership to other engineers supporting the subsystem

Compliance & Configuration

Ensure subsystem design and release comply with relevant military standards regulations and customer requirements
Maintain robust configuration management across program phases variants and change events
Support export control security and customer-specific program compliance requirements as applicable

Domain-Specific Focus Areas
Chassis Lead DRE

Own frame tie down and sling load points suspension steering braking wheels/tires and driveline interfaces for on- and off-road mission profiles
Balance ride/handling payload towing mobility and survivability requirements including up-armored configurations
Integrate commercial chassis content with defense-specific payloads armor and mobility upgrades
Lead vehicle dynamics braking durability NVH and rollover-related technical decisions and validation support

Body / Exterior Lead DRE

Own body-in-white closures exteriors glazing underbody systems and armor integration interfaces
Develop structural solutions that support crew protection blast/ballistic objectives and mission payloads while managing mass and manufacturability
Ensure robust sealing corrosion protection environmental performance and maintainability
Lead packaging and integration of antennas external sensors racks and mission equipment on body structures

Interior Lead DRE

Own seating systems restraints interior trim IP/console stowage and crew interface elements
Ensure interior designs meet ergonomics human factors safety and mission-effectiveness targets including operation with PPE
Integrate HVAC communications displays controls and power/data interfaces into the interior environment
Lead trade-offs across comfort durability cleanability and rapid reconfiguration for mission flexibility

Electrical Lead DRE

Own power distribution harnesses junction boxes controllers lighting sensors/actuators and key subsystem interfaces
Design architectures that support high electrical loads mission systems exportable power robustness and redundancy
Ensure compliance with EMC/EMI environmental safety and cybersecurity requirements in partnership with specialists
Coordinate closely with software and controls to ensure robust electrical and data interfaces

Software / Controls Lead DRE

Own embedded software requirements integration and validation for assigned vehicle features or mission-related functions
Integrate GM production software COTS components and defense-specific applications to ensure reliable vehicle-level behavior
Lead software validation strategies including HIL/SIL vehicle test diagnostics and update approaches where applicable
Collaborate on cybersecurity functional safety diagnostics and data management approaches aligned to program needs and standards

Powertrain / RESS Lead DRE

Own propulsion system integration including engine transmission driveline interfaces cooling fuel systems mounts and associated subsystem packaging as applicable to the platform
Own Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) design release and integration including battery pack mounting thermal interfaces electrical/mechanical interfaces serviceability and protection strategies
Balance performance range mobility survivability thermal performance packaging mass and reliability requirements across mission profiles
Integrate GM production content COTS components and defense-specific propulsion or energy storage solutions to support vehicle and mission needs
Lead validation and issue resolution for propulsion and RESS-related requirements including durability thermal performance environmental robustness safety diagnostics and vehicle-level integration

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Bachelor's degree in Engineering
5+ years of relevant product engineering experience in automotive commercial vehicle defense aerospace or a closely related industry
Demonstrated experience as a Lead Design Release Engineer technical lead or equivalent with end-to-end responsibility for a major subsystem
Proven ability to lead work through concept design validation launch and field support on complex engineered products
Experience working in CAD/CAE and PLM environments including formal change management and part release processes
Strong problem-solving root cause analysis and issue resolution skills in a fast-paced hardware-focused environment
Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to interface effectively with suppliers customers and cross-functional teams
Demonstrated ability to lead technical direction manage subsystem risk and mentor other engineers
Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen U.S. permanent resident asylee or refugee).

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Advanced degree in a relevant engineering discipline
Direct experience with military or government vehicle programs standards or acquisition processes
Familiarity with GM engineering processes systems and tools including bills of material release systems and global vehicle development processes
Experience in one or more of the following:
- Chassis: vehicle dynamics durability off-road mobility heavy payloads
- Body: crashworthiness armor integration blast/ballistic considerations advanced materials
- Interior: human factors safety systems occupant packaging ruggedized interiors
- Electrical: high-demand power distribution EMC/EMI ruggedized harness design
- Software: embedded controls AUTOSAR or similar architectures diagnostics cybersecurity
Prior work in low- to medium-volume highly configured products and/or rapid prototyping environments
Experience supporting build events fielding or sustainment for defense or commercial fleets

Work Location & Travel

Primary work location: GM Global Technical Center (Warren MI) or other GM Defense-designated engineering sites
Regular on-site presence expected to support labs builds and cross-functional collaboration
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and occasionally internationally to test sites supplier locations and customer facilities as required

#GMD
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g. H1-B OPT STEM OPT CPT TN J-1 etc.)
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 is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Report review.
The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen U.S. permanent resident asylee or refugee)
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Skills Required

Bachelor's degree in Engineering
5+ years of relevant product engineering experience
Experience as a Lead Design Release Engineer or equivalent
Experience working in CAD/CAE and PLM environments
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen U.S. permanent resident asylee or refugee)

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Healthcare Strength—GM highlights comprehensive medical coverage company‑paid life insurance and disability and added programs like Hinge Health for digital musculoskeletal therapy. UAW‑represented hourly workers retained premium‑free healthcare in the 2023 agreement.
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