Subsystem Architect - GM Defense

About the role

The Subsystem Architect at GM Defense is responsible for identifying and evaluating alternative subsystem building blocks for new GM Defense products for global military and government customers, as well as industry partners. This role leads structured trade studies to compare feasible solutions and recommend the best overall product approach based on packaging, performance, cost, mass, and timing. Additionally, this role helps turn selected concepts into demonstrator hardware by supporting component sourcing, build planning, issue resolution, and performance assessment.

Responsibilities

• Identify subsystem architecture options and building-block alternatives for new GM Defense vehicle and product applications.
• Lead trade studies that compare technical alternatives using packaging, performance, cost, mass, and timing as primary evaluation criteria.
• Translate product and customer needs into subsystem-level architectural requirements, assumptions, and decision criteria.
• Partner with design, systems, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, finance, and program teams to assess solution feasibility and integration risk.
• Develop recommendation packages that clearly communicate trade-offs, key assumptions, risks, and proposed path forward.
• Support early concept development by evaluating carryover, modified, and new-design subsystem solutions.
• Audit subsystem compatibility with overall vehicle and product architecture, including physical integration and interface impacts.
• Drive alignment on subsystem decisions by facilitating technical reviews and cross-functional discussions.
• Support issue resolution when subsystem architecture decisions affect program execution, integration, build, or test outcomes.
• Support the planning and execution of concept demonstrator builds, including ordering component parts and coordinating material needs.
• Aid in developing build instructions and related technical documentation to enable efficient concept demonstrator assembly.
• Resolve build issues during concept demonstrator execution by working with engineering and build teams to identify root cause and implement corrective actions.
• Assess and address subsystem and vehicle performance issues observed during concept demonstrator builds and evaluations, driving improvements into future architectural recommendations.
• Create and maintain engineering analyses, comparison matrices, and decision documentation to support leadership reviews and program checkpoints.
• Contribute to program planning by identifying architecture-related timing risks, dependency impacts, and decision gates.
• Affirm technical recommendations, scenario analysis, and product definition decisions for Chief Engineers, Program Engineering Managers, and engineering leaders.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of overall vehicle and program success.

Requirements

• BSE or BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of professional engineering experience in vehicle, subsystem, or product engineering.
• Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).
• Deep experience across the full breadth of a subsystem, including requirements, interfaces, packaging, performance, cost, validation, and implementation, gained through work on multiple programs.
• Proven ability to evaluate multiple technical alternatives and make data-driven recommendations based on cost, mass, performance, packaging, and timing.
• Strong understanding of engineering theory and the principles of operation of mechanical and/or electrical systems.
• Experience leading or supporting structured trade studies, decision matrices, and technical down-selection activities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex trade-offs to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, finance, and program management.
• Ability to identify technical risks, assumptions, and integration constraints early in the product development process.
• Experience creating clear, concise engineering recommendations for leadership and program decision forums.