Lead Design Release Engineer – GM Defense

Job 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