Design Release Engineer – GM Defense

Job DescriptionGeneral Motors Defense has multiple positions open! Please apply to be considered for a role in: Chassis, Body, Interior, Electrical, Software, Powertrain/RESSAbout GM DefenseGM 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 RoleGM Defense is seeking Design Release Engineers (Level 6) to support the design, release, integration, validation, and lifecycle management of key vehicle 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 support end-to-end engineering delivery for assigned components and subsystem areas, working closely with subsystem leads and cross-functional teams to ensure GM Defense solutions meet performance, safety, quality, cost, schedule, and compliance targets.What You'll DoDesign & ReleaseOwn the design and release of assigned components and subsystem elements from concept through production and sustainmentTranslate system, customer, regulatory, and military requirements into component- and subsystem-level design requirementsDevelop and maintain engineering deliverables including BOMs, drawings, specifications, CAD data, DFMEAs, and DVPRsExecute formal SOR, ICD creation and part release and change management in GMD systems,Support packaging, integration, manufacturability, serviceability, and maintainability of assigned designsValidation & Issue ResolutionSupport definition, development and execution of validation plans across bench, vehicle, and field test environmentsDrive issue identification, root cause analysis, containment, and corrective action using structured problem-solving methodsSupport safety, durability, EMC, environmental, and survivability testing as applicable to the subsystemResolve design, test, build, and field issues in partnership with integration, quality, manufacturing, and supplier teamsCross-Functional IntegrationWork closely with systems engineering, vehicle integration, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program management teamsCoordinate with suppliers and technical partners to review designs, analyses, validation results, and issue resolution plansSupport build events at GM and partner sites, helping resolve integration and launch issues in real timeCollaborate across adjacent subsystems to ensure robust technical interfaces and compatible designsProgram ExecutionSupport engineering timing, deliverables, risk tracking, and mitigation planning for assigned work scopeProvide clear technical status and issue updates to subsystem and program leadershipSupport RFI/RFP responses and engineering planning activities as neededContribute technical recommendations based on data, analysis, and test resultsCompliance & ConfigurationEnsure assigned designs comply with relevant military standards, regulations, and customer requirementsMaintain accurate configuration management across program phases, variants, and engineering changesSupport export control, security, and customer-specific compliance requirements as applicableDomain-Specific Focus AreasChassis DRESupport design and release of frame, tie down and sling load points, suspension, steering, braking, wheels/tires, and driveline componentsHelp balance ride/handling, payload, towing, mobility, durability, and survivability requirementsIntegrate commercial chassis content with defense-specific payloads, armor, and mobility upgradesSupport validation and issue resolution related to vehicle dynamics, braking, durability, NVH, and rollover performanceBody / Exterior DRESupport design and release of body-in-white, closures, exteriors, glazing, underbody systems, and armor integration interfacesDevelop solutions that support crew protection, mission payloads, manufacturability, and maintainabilityEnsure robust sealing, corrosion protection, and environmental performanceSupport packaging and integration of antennas, external sensors, racks, and mission equipment on body structuresInterior DRESupport design and release of seating systems, restraints, interior trim, IP/console, stowage, and crew interface elementsHelp ensure interior designs meet ergonomics, safety, human factors, and mission-effectiveness targetsIntegrate HVAC, communications, displays, controls, and power/data interfaces into the interior environmentSupport trade-offs across comfort, durability, cleanability, and rapid reconfiguration for mission flexibilityElectrical DRESupport design and release of power distribution, harnesses, junction boxes, controllers, lighting, sensors/actuators, and subsystem interfacesDevelop electrical solutions that support mission systems, robustness, redundancy, and serviceabilityEnsure compliance with EMC/EMI, environmental, safety, and cybersecurity requirements in partnership with specialistsCoordinate with software & controls to ensure robust electrical and data interfacesSoftware / Controls DREDesign, develop, and test complex embedded vehicle controls utilizing C hand code, MATLAB, and Simulink.Integrate control algorithms and troubleshoot serial data communications (VIP, CAN, Ethernet) across vehicle subsystems and controllers.Develop and release software within an Agile framework, utilizing GM’s CI/CD, development, and testing toolchains (Optimus, Git, Jenkins, Jira, ETAS, VSpy).Execute hardware/software integration and issue resolution through vehicle builds, HIL/SIL testing, and data logging analysis.Translate SORs and P-Specs into functional code, balancing GM commercial best practices with strict defense specifications.Powertrain / RESS DRESupport propulsion system integration, including engine, transmission, driveline interfaces, cooling, fuel systems, mounts, and subsystem packagingSupport Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) design release and integration, including battery pack, mounting, thermal interfaces, serviceability, and protection strategiesHelp balance performance, range, mobility, survivability, thermal performance, packaging, mass, and reliability requirementsSupport validation and issue resolution for propulsion and RESS-related requirements including durability, thermal performance, environmental robustness, safety, diagnostics, and vehicle-level integrationYour Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)Bachelor’s degree in Engineering3+ years of relevant product engineering experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, defense, aerospace, or a closely related industryDemonstrated experience in design release, product development, or subsystem engineering for complex engineered productsExperience supporting work through concept, design, validation, launch, and field supportExperience working in CAD/CAE and PLM environments, including formal change management and part release processesStrong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and issue resolution skills in a fast-paced engineering environmentStrong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teamsCandidate 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 disciplineDirect experience with military or government vehicle programs, standards, or acquisition processesFamiliarity with GM engineering processes, systems, and tools, including bills of material, release systems, and vehicle development processesExperience in one or more of the following:Chassis: vehicle dynamics, durability, off-road mobility, heavy payloadsBody: crashworthiness, armor integration, blast/ballistic considerations, advanced materialsInterior: human factors, safety systems, occupant packaging, ruggedized interiorsElectrical: high-demand power distribution, EMC/EMI, ruggedized harness designSoftware: embedded controls, AUTOSAR or similar architectures, diagnostics, cybersecurityPowertrain / RESS: propulsion integration, thermal management, battery systems, energy management, charging interfaces, high-voltage safety, diagnosticsPrior work in low- to medium-volume, highly configured products and/or rapid prototyping environmentsExperience supporting build events, fielding, or sustainment for defense or commercial fleetsWork Location & TravelPrimary work location: GM Global Technical Center (Warren, MI) or other GM Defense-designated engineering sitesRegular on-site presence expected to support labs, builds, and cross-functional collaborationAbility and willingness to travel domestically, and occasionally internationally, to test sites, supplier locations, and customer facilities as required#GMDGM 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).About GMOur vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.Why Join UsWe believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.Benefits OverviewFrom day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. 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We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. 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