Subsystem Architect - GM Defense

The Role GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and autonomy and connectivity solutions for global defense, security and government customers. By leveraging GM’s advanced commercial vehicle platforms, engineering expertise and large-scale manufacturing, GM Defense rapidly adapts proven technologies into military-grade, mission-ready solutions that help customers improve mobility, readiness and sustainment while managing cost and complexity. The Subsystem Architect 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, while also supporting the planning and execution of concept demonstrator builds. 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. In addition, this role helps turn selected concepts into demonstrator hardware by supporting component sourcing, build planning, issue resolution, and performance assessment. As a senior individual contributor, you will work across engineering teams to define subsystem concepts, align technical decisions, and drive data-based architecture recommendations that support program objectives. This posting supports multiple Subsystem Architect openings in the following areas: 1) Interior/Occupant Accommodations 2) Chassis 3) Thermal, and 4) Electrical Architecture. Successful candidates will bring deep technical expertise in one or more of these domains while applying a common architectural and trade-study approach to support overall product success. What You’ll Do 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. Assess 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. Assist 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. Assist Chief Engineers, Program Engineering Managers, and engineering leaders with technical recommendations, scenario analysis, and product definition decisions. Perform other related duties as assigned in support of overall vehicle and program success. Your Skills &