Chassis Design Engineer - Suspension System Lead - GM Defense

General Motors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GM Defense is seeking a Chassis Design Engineer to lead suspension system development for defense vehicles, guiding concept through validation, production readiness and launch with a focus on performance, durability and safety.

You'll use CAE, TcVis, field data and KPIs to optimize designs, mentor junior engineers, and ensure production-ready, compliant suspension systems while supporting a hybrid work model with travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in chassis and suspension design and development.
• Experience applying DFMEA, DRBFM, and DFSS.
• Proven ability to design robust and compliant components.

Responsibilities

• Lead suspension system development from concept to production.
• Translate performance and safety requirements into designs.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead cross-functional teams.
• Manage engineering changes and production readiness.

Skills

Chassis design

Suspension systems

DFMEA/DRBFM/DFSS

CAe analysis

Mentoring/leadership

Tools

CAe

TcVis

Job description

Job Description

The Role

GM Defense is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chassis Design Engineer to lead suspension system development for defense vehicles. In this role, you will provide engineering leadership across the full product lifecycle—from concept development and design through validation, production readiness, and launch—while ensuring suspension systems meet performance, durability, safety, compliance, and mission requirements.

What You'll Do

You’ll lead suspension system development from concept through production, translating vehicle-level performance, durability, safety, and mission requirements into robust component and assembly designs. Working with cross-functional engineering teams, suppliers, and manufacturing partners, you’ll mature designs, resolve issues, and keep component delivery on track.

As the program progresses, you’ll guide analysis and validation, support PTB, APPV/PPV, and NS/S builds, and manage engineering changes through launch. You’ll use CAE, TcVis, field data, and program KPIs to identify risks and opportunities, make informed trade-offs, and drive continuous improvement. You’ll also serve as a technical leader by mentoring junior engineers and helping the team deliver safe, compliant, and production-ready suspension systems.

• Analyze warranty and field data to identify and address design issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Apply DFMEA, DRBFM, and DFSS methodologies to ensure robust design and manufacturing processes.
• Apply GD&T and tolerance analysis principles to critical component and assembly designs.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to complex engineering challenges.
• Benchmark competitive designs and technologies to drive innovation and best practices.
• Demonstrates rapid proficiency in new technologies and engineering tools.
• Design components that support vehicle performance, durability, and safety requirements.
• Develop and manage engineering specifications, requirements, and validation plans.
• Manage component delivery across the product lifecycle, collaborating with suppliers and manufacturing.
• Manage engineering changes and releases throughout the program phases.
• Manage safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements for all suspension system components.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Support PTB, APPV/PPV, NS/S build processes for system validation and production readiness.
• Use CAE and TcVis analysis to optimize designs, predict performance, and identify potential issues.
• Use engineering data and KPIs to track progress, make informed decisions, and drive continuous improvement.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• 10+ years of experience in chassis and suspension system design and development.
• Proficiency in applying DFMEA, DRBFM, and DFSS.
• Demonstrated ability to apply structured problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to rapidly learn and apply new technologies.
• Proven ability to design robust and compliant components.
• Strong project management skills, including component delivery and engineering change management.
• Familiarity with safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements in automotive or defense industries.
• Proven technical leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Expertise in GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience benchmarking competitive designs.
• Experience in developing and managing engineering specifications and validation plans.
• Experience with PTB, APPV/PPV and NS/S processes.
• Proficient in CAE and TcVis analysis tools.
• Ability to utilize engineering data and KPIs for decision-making.

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). 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 is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. 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).

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