Subsystem Architect – GM Defense

General Motors

Subsystem Architect responsible for implementing subsystem architecture for military vehicle solutions at GM Defense. Leading trade studies and technical evaluations based on performance and cost.

Posted 6/9/2026full-timeMilford • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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)
Demonstrated experience in vehicle integration, subsystem architecture, or system-level engineering
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
Demonstrated ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, finance, and program management
Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex trade-offs to technical and non-technical stakeholders
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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company vehicle evaluation program after motor vehicle report review
Benefits overview from day one encompassing well-being at work and home

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

mechanical engineeringelectrical engineeringsystems engineeringvehicle integrationsubsystem architecturerequirements analysisperformance evaluationcost analysisvalidationtechnical documentation

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunication skillspresentation skillscross-functional collaborationproblem-solvingdecision-makingtechnical risk identificationdata-driven recommendationstrade-off analysisleadership support