Tactical Vehicle Armor Designer – GM Defense

Job Description

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to either Warren, MI or Milford, MI three times per week, at minimum.

The Role

GM Defense is looking for a highly performing Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimization of armor for tactical vehicles. In this role, you will design robust structural components, integrate mission-critical sub-systems, and ensure platforms meet strict performance and survivability standards. You will utilize Siemens NX to balance complex size, weight, power, and cooling budgets while collaborating closely with manufacturing teams.

You will be responsible for developing math and design solutions to meet subsystem and component requirements in a fast-paced environment on government programs as well as special projects. This activity requires creativity, initiative and independent problem-solving skills while supporting cross functional teams for issue resolution.   This role requires an individual with drive and passion to embrace technology while becoming an expert in Engineering Best Practices, Manufacturing Requirements, highly skilled in NX, Teamcenter, VisMockup and the Windows Office.  This person is expected to adhere to all ITAR requirements (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). 

What You’ll Do

• Siemens NX 3D CAD Design: Create advanced 3D models, complex large assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings for armor components, chassis/body modifications, and supporting vehicle sub-systems.

• Survivability Integration: Design full vehicle armor systems, installation kits, blast-mitigating components, and spall liner integrations.

• SWaP-C Tracking: Manage weight distribution, payload capacity, and center of gravity calculations.

• DFM/DFA: Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly principles for welding, heavy machining, and sheet metal fabrication.

• Develop Standard Modeling Methods and Processes

• Perform to Design Standards and Best Practices

• Demonstrate application of design operations and processes (Standard modeling, Clearance Analysis, etc.)

• Facilitate and participate in Design Reviews, both scheduled and informal workstation reviews, as required

• Document and maintain material, mass, and other part specifications within the NX file

• Support CAE with studies to improve designs

• Complete, analyze and apply NX Analysis results for solutions of their subsystem / components

• Support the Global Vehicle Development Process and the math fidelity for each cycle

• Independently integrate component subsystem design into systems

• Perform appropriate studies/alternatives and participates in recommendations for program direction

• Keep abreast of current product developments and trends in area of responsibility

• Support lessons learned, updating best practices and learning sessions with program teams

• Proactively communicate effectively with all stakeholders

• Complete system/subsystem parts to meet timing requirements with quality

• Actively identify new areas for learning and take advantage of learning opportunities

• Support current product change management processes

What You’ll Need (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• 7+ years of mechanical design experience, specifically within defense, armored vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, or tactical equipment.

• High proficiency in Siemens NX (UG NX) or related CAD for large assembly management and parametric modeling.

• Strong understanding of high-strength steels, military-grade aluminum, composites, and ballistic materials.

• Expert knowledge of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards.

• Proficiency in NX, Teamcenter, VisMockup, specifications, and data management.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• High level of Interpersonal skills to work effectively with others including global partners.

• Working knowledge of CAE and eGD&T.

• Knowledge of product design concepts and manufacturing processes (i.e. injection molding, stamping, casting, extrusion, machining, etc.).

• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes to support Vehicle Development.

• Ability to work independently to solve highly complex problems and lead teams to consensus when needed.

• Understand Specification and Release terms and systems.

• Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

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GM 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}. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. 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 GM

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