Lead Design Release Engineer GM Defense

Lead Design Release Engineer

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.

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

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