Thermal Lead Development Engineer - GM Defense

Job DescriptionGM Defense is looking for a Thermal Lead Development Engineer (LDE) that is interested in creating the future of GM Defense-related vehicles. The GM Defense Performance Team is a dynamic, fast paced environment where every day provides a new problem to solve that is having an impact on our current & future defense ground vehicles. This includes participating in the AVD process, establishing vehicle level and subsystem requirements. Then following that project through protype builds, integrating the vehicle and then launching a new vehicle program.The RoleThe Thermal LDE provides technical leadership for thermal system integration, with deep knowledge of thermal integration at the vehicle level and proficiency in applicable requirements and standards. This role leads a cross-functional team including hardware performance and design release engineers, comfort and propulsion/powertrain cooling calibrators, and thermal analysis engineers, serving as the Thermal single-point contact to the program team and other integration areas — working closely with vehicle systems engineers, technical leads, and program management.The LDE relentlessly drives consistent thermal system and vehicle integration for a given program or architecture, holding themselves and others accountable for high-quality, timely delivery without compromising integrity, safety, or quality.What You'll DoProvide technical direction and assurance to performance engineers and design release engineersOwn and develop vehicle-level thermal system requirements in collaboration with vehicle performance owners and technical stakeholdersManage the development and validation plan, including prioritization of physical properties (benches/vehicles), climatic wind tunnel time, and trip coordinationPartner with virtual analysis teams to prioritize computational work and special requestsLead thermal program integration meetings; engage in program forums across vehicle performance, development, and validation workstreamsReview engineering design documents; advocate for design best practices and participate in component technical reviewsLead thermal system peer reviews at key program milestones; ensure team readiness and delivery excellenceCoordinate read-across and cross-program integration issuesLead issue resolution for customer-facing concerns related to comfort, quality, and warranty; balance ongoing system and feature continuous improvement work alongside active program milestone deliveryMentor team members and support their professional developmentYour Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)BS/MS in Engineering5+ years of experience in thermal system design release, development, or validation (any combination)Strong knowledge of applicable thermal requirements, standards, and vehicle-level specificationsDemonstrated ability to simplify complex technical concepts and communicate effectively across all levels — from peers to senior leadershipAbility to work independently and collaboratively; comfortable navigating ambiguity to enable timely decisionsWorking knowledge of DFMEA, PFMEA, and CFD analysisStrong knowledge of program timing and vehicle development process deliverablesCandidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).What Can Give You a Competitive Advantage (Preferred)MS in Mechanical Engineering8+ years of experience in thermal systemsDemonstrated engineering leadership experience (e.g., team lead or subject matter expert)Experience supporting both battery electric and conventional powertrain architecturesFamiliarity with virtual vehicle analysis tools or HVAC calibration processesDemonstrated ability to interpret customer satisfaction data and translate to development prioritiesSix Sigma certification or equivalent structured problem-solving experienceDefense engineering experience#GMD 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}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits. 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. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. 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To learn more, visit How we Hire.AccommodationsGeneral Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at View phone number on click.appcast.io. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.SummaryLocation: Milford, Michigan, United States of AmericaType: Full time