Thermal Lead Development Engineer (GM Defense)

TL;DR

Thermal Lead Development Engineer (GM Defense): Technical leadership for thermal system integration across vehicle-level programs, from establishing requirements through prototype builds, integration, and vehicle program launch with an accent on cross-functional delivery, thermal validation planning, and issue resolution tied to comfort, quality, and warranty. Focus on leading thermal peer reviews, coordinating physical and virtual analysis work, and driving consistent thermal integration decisions under program timing constraints.

Location: Milford, Michigan

Company

GM Defense develops and delivers defense ground vehicle programs within General Motors.

What you will do

• Provide technical direction and assurance to performance engineers and design release engineers.
• Own and develop vehicle-level thermal system requirements with vehicle performance owners and technical stakeholders.
• Manage development and validation planning, including prioritization of benches/vehicles, climatic wind tunnel time, and trip coordination.
• Partner with virtual analysis teams to prioritize computational work and special requests.
• Lead thermal program integration meetings, review engineering design documents, and run thermal system peer reviews at key milestones.
• Coordinate cross-program integration issues, lead issue resolution for customer-facing comfort/quality/warranty concerns, and mentor team members.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in thermal system design release, development, or validation (any combination).
• Strong knowledge of applicable thermal requirements, standards, and vehicle-level specifications.
• Working knowledge of DFMEA, PFMEA, and CFD analysis.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively across all levels and navigate ambiguity to enable timely decisions.
• U.S. Person required (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to export control restrictions; no immigration sponsorship.

Nice to have

• MS in Mechanical Engineering and 8+ years of thermal systems experience.
• Engineering leadership experience (team lead or subject matter expert).
• Experience supporting both battery electric and conventional powertrain architectures.
• Familiarity with virtual vehicle analysis tools or HVAC calibration processes.
• Six Sigma certification or equivalent structured problem-solving experience.
• Defense engineering experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid role: expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week (or frequency set by the manager).
• Travel requirement: less than 25%.
• Relocation benefits may be available.
• Motor vehicle operation and successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report review required.

Hiring process

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