Entry-Level - Defense Lab Modeling and Simulation Researcher

General Motors LLC; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors LLC seeks an experienced research scientist to lead a team of Defense Research scientists and engineers in Warren, MI. You will guide defense-focused modeling, simulation, and vehicle performance work, and drive research across powertrain, autonomy, and human-machine interfaces.

You will shape GM capabilities, partner with universities and national labs, and transition outcomes into production. Strong leadership and defense program experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Pursuit of an advanced degree in Engineering or related field.
• Graduating between August 2026 - June 2027.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Defense researchers and engineers on planning and execution.
• Define defense research programs, scope, deliverables, and direction.
• Align research priorities with GM needs through collaboration with R&D and Defense teams.
• Strengthen partnerships with universities, national labs, and defense organizations.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and records of invention.
• Assess projects for Defense applications and suggest improvements.
• Propose new defense and automotive research topics.
• Lead technical reviews and communicate progress across the organization.
• Stay current on emerging defense technologies and trends.
• Support transition of defense research to production programs.

Skills

Defense research

Modeling & simulation

Vehicle systems

Leadership

Security clearance

Education

Master's or PhD in Engineering

Tools

Simulation software

Programming (Python/C/C++)

Job description

Job Description

The Vehicle Defense Research group within the Safety, Engineering and Defense Research Lab seeks an experienced and innovative research scientist to assist conduct research and guide a team of Defense Research scientists and engineers. You will lead and provide Defense subject matter expertise to research planning and execution across defense‑focused modeling and simulation domains, including vehicle performance, force‑on‑force, autonomous systems, human‑machine‑interaction, advanced powertrain and electrification. You will drive innovation and research impact across key technical areas and support the Defense Research Program, covering modeling and simulation, safety, analysis, and user experience development. Your expertise in defense, Soldier systems, simulation, experimentation, vehicles, and engineering will shape future GM capabilities. This role centers on applied research and the development of new technologies that enhance GM’s product portfolio in the federal and Defense sectors. As a defense researcher, you will lead research, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and transition research outcomes into vehicle, system, and software applications for Defense while protecting intellectual property. You will also enhance partnerships with universities, research institutes, startups, federal agencies, Department of War agencies, and advanced technology labs to expand GM’s research capability and influence for Defense specific applications and projects.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct research working with a team of research scientists, driving innovation and strong execution.


• Support the team in defining and managing defense research programs, including scope, deliverables, and technical direction.


• Assist in the alignment of research priorities with GM needs through collaboration with R&D and Defense teams.


• Strengthen internal and external research partnerships—including universities, federal agencies, national labs, and defense organizations.


• Prepare high‑quality technical research reports, publications, and develop records of invention.


• Assess current and proposed R&D projects for Defense applications, suggest project modifications to better support Defense applications.


• Propose new research topics for defense and automotive applications.


• Lead and participate in technical reviews and communicate research progress across the organization.


• Maintain expertise in emerging defense technologies, future warfare and research trends.


• Support the transition of defense research programs into production programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Pursuit of an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in one of the following areas: Engineering


• Must be graduating between August 2026 - June 2027


• Able to work fulltime, 40 hours per week


• U.S. Citizenship


• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.


• Demonstrated expertise in defense acquisition, including product lifecycles and government program leadership and execution.


• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CUI, and ITAR requirements.


• Proven leadership with strong interpersonal skills.


• Relevant modeling and simulation experience in Defense applications.


• Experience with defense research and engineering, requirement generation, testing and assessment of ground vehicles.


• Modeling and Simulation experience with at least one of the following: autonomous systems, vehicle performance, advanced powertrain and power systems, force-on-force, crew compartment simulation, human-machine-interface/user experience.


• Success in R&D technology project execution, transition and project/budget management.


• Ability to manage and support multiple deliverables across varied technical areas and projects.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Ability to communicate and interact with: Soldiers, Scientists, Engineers, and Program Managers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance as of the first day of work.


• PhD or advanced degrees in Engineering, Leadership or Physical Science, with relevant experience.


• Defense industry modeling and simulation experience.


• Experience in automotive research, testing, and development.


• Multidisciplinary engineering leadership expertise.


• Background in defense performance testing and program management.


• Strong record of career growth with increasing leadership responsibility.


• Active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance.

Work Arrangement:

• Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, MI three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business].

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