Entry-Level - Defense Lab Modeling and Simulation Researcher

General Motors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Security clearance support

Job summary

General Motors' Vehicle Defense Research group seeks an experienced research scientist to lead a team and provide defense domain expertise across modeling, simulation and applied research for defense applications within GM's program. You will guide research planning, drive impact, and collaborate with external partners to transition outcomes into vehicle and software applications for Defense.

You will lead research, coordinate with R&D and Defense teams, and maintain expertise in emerging

Qualifications

• Pursuit of an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Engineering.
• Graduating between August 2026 and June 2027.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Experience with defense acquisition and program leadership.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS, CUI, and ITAR.
• Experience in defense modeling and simulation.
• Experience with defense research and engineering and vehicle ground tests.
• Modeling/simulation experience in autonomous systems, vehicle performance, or powertrains.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research with a team of scientists, driving innovation and execution.
• Define and manage defense research programs including scope and direction.
• Align research priorities with GM needs through cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strengthen partnerships with universities, national labs, and defense agencies.
• Prepare technical reports and publish findings; document inventions.
• Assess R&D projects for Defense applications and suggest revisions.
• Propose new defense and automotive research topics.
• Lead technical reviews and communicate progress across GM.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging defense technologies and trends.
• Support the transition of defense research into production programs.

Skills

Defense research

Modeling & simulation

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Requirements analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Engineering

Job description

The Role:

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.

Job Description

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.

The Team:

Join General Motors Research & Development as a Defense Program Researcher. You will conduct research, provide modeling and simulation subject matter expertise, and thought leadership in Defense and military systems. You will use evidence-based decision-making across current and emerging technology areas that relate to Defense.

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.

This position requires eligibility to access classified information at the Secret U.S. Security Clearance level for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. The successful candidate must have eligibility to obtain a security clearance at that level.

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).

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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