Electrical Engineering Systems Lead - GM Defense
General Motors
- Location
- Warren, Michigan, United States of America
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Senior
- H-1B history
- 267 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Sep 10, 2026
Skills
About this role
Job Description
About GM Defense GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. GM Defense combines General Motors’ proven engineering and manufacturing capabilities with the mission focus and execution speed required by defense customers.
The Role
The Electrical System Engineer (SE) defines and integrates electrical systems for incoming government programs and special projects. This role translates customer, government, and mission requirements into practical vehicle-level solutions spanning high- and low-voltage power distribution, interfaces, wiring, controls, communications, and subsystem integration. A combination of technical theory and hands-on skills with the confidence and ability to be self-directed in a small team environment will be needed. This role will work with SE's from multiple domain areas (Propulsion/Electrification, Thermal, Survivability, Autonomous, Body, Interior, Chassis, etc.) to develop the entire vehicle design solution that meets the requirements of the Business Development proposal. If the proposal is selected to move forward into production, the SE will guide the team through execution of the project and support the DREs to release parts as needed to support the launch. In addition, key engagement is expected between the internal product owners and vehicle program management. We are seeking Systems Engineers with priority in the areas of Electrical Architecture Systems Engineering.
What You'll Do
Lead electrical architecture definition for new and derivative defense vehicle platforms. Translate government, customer, mission, and vehicle requirements into electrical system requirements, architecture decisions, and interface definitions. Define vehicle-level electrical topologies, power distribution, network architecture, system boundaries, and low-voltage power-management concepts. Architect and integrate high-voltage systems, including batteries, power conversion, propulsion interfaces, high-voltage cables, contactors, service disconnects, grounding, shielding, and safety features. Define interfaces among ECUs, sensors, actuators, power electronics, controllers, displays, communication networks, and mission equipment. Define low-voltage power distribution, circuit protection, wake-up and shutdown behavior, grounding, connector strategy, and electrical load-management concepts. Develop and review schematics, wiring concepts, interface control documents, netlists, block diagrams, and architecture specifications. Evaluate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom technologies, balancing technical performance, mission suitability, supply risk, integration complexity, cost, and schedule. Develop and review schematics, wiring concepts, interface control documents, netlists, block diagrams, and architecture specifications. Identify and resolve cross-functional electrical issues, including interface conflicts, power-quality concerns, electromagnetic compatibility risks, network limitations, thermal constraints, and packaging conflicts. Ensure architecture decisions support applicable automotive, defense, functional-safety, cybersecurity, electromagnetic compatibility, and export-control requirements. Support proposals, statements of work, technical volumes, compliance matrices, and customer presentations while providing technical leadership to engineers and suppliers. Ensure designs meet applicable automotive, defense, functional-safety, cybersecurity, EMI/EMC, export-control, and ITAR requirements, support component packaging and design studies. Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications) BS in Electrical/Mechanical/Systems Engineering or related discipline. 5+ years of relevant experience in electrical systems, vehicle electrical engineering, controls, harnesses, power distribution, embedded systems, or a related field. Experience with high-voltage and/or electrified vehicle