Design Release Engineer - Frames / Structures - GM Defense

TL;DR

Design Release Engineer - Frames / Structures - GM Defense (Engineering): Own requirements, design, release, validation, issue resolution, and lifecycle change management for a Frame/Structure subsystem across defense programs with an accent on subsystem technical direction, configuration control, and compliance. Focus on translating military/customer standards into design targets, managing DFMEAs/DVPRs/BOMs/CAD-CAE data, and driving engineering changes from concept through production and sustainment.

Location: GM Global Technical Center (Warren, MI) with time spent at Milford, MI as needed. Regular on-site presence expected (at least 3 times a week). Travel: <25% domestically and occasionally internationally.

Company

GM Defense delivers integrated defense vehicles and mobility solutions by adapting GM commercial technologies to military and government requirements.

What you will do

• Serve as the single accountable engineering owner for a Frame/Structure subsystem from concept through production and sustainment.
• Translate customer, regulatory, and military standards into subsystem requirements and design targets; maintain subsystem requirements, DFMEAs, DVPRs, BOMs, and CAD/CAE data.
• Lead subsystem architecture definition, trade studies, and technical decision-making.
• Lead design selection and integration of components (GM production content, COTS, and bespoke defense solutions) ensuring manufacturability, serviceability, and compatibility with armor and mission equipment.
• Execute formal part release and configuration control (SOR, ICD, BOM, drawings, specifications) and drive engineering changes across variants.
• Develop subsystem timing/deliverables, manage technical risks and mitigations, support RFI/RFP responses, and mentor supporting engineers.

Requirements

• 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 Design Release Engineer, technical lead, or equivalent with end-to-end responsibility for a major subsystem.
• Experience with 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 hardware-focused environment.
• U.S. Person required (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) and role is subject to export control restrictions.

Nice to have

• Experience with vehicle frames/structures.
• Advanced degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Direct experience with military/government vehicle programs, standards, or acquisition processes.
• Experience supporting build events, fielding, or sustainment for defense or commercial fleets.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid role with regular on-site presence expected to support labs, builds, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Travel <25% as required for test sites, supplier locations, and customer facilities.
• No relocation benefits; relocation costs are the candidate’s responsibility.
• Requires ability to legally operate a motor vehicle and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Report review.

Hiring process

• Role-related assessments and/or pre-employment screening may be required prior to starting employment.