Lead Materials Engineer, Defense & Space

General Motors; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GM Defense seeks a technically strong Materials Engineer to lead materials selection, qualification, and application for integrated GM Defense vehicles. You will ensure compliance with GMW/ASTM/DoD standards while balancing performance, survivability, and cost in defense and space contexts.

You will collaborate with Design, Release, Manufacturing, Validation, Purchasing, and Suppliers to mature advanced materials from prototype to production readiness, supporting armor, thermal protection, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in materials engineering in automotive, defense, or related industry.
• Strong knowledge of metallic materials and/or polymers/composites, including processing and property relationships.
• Experience with material characterization and testing (e.g., tensile, hardness, microstructure, corrosion, coatings).
• Familiarity with engineering standards (GMW, ASTM, ISO) and drawing/specification practices.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to lead cross-functional technical investigations.
• Experience applying materials engineering principles to automotive, defense, aerospace, or space systems, including understanding of environment/mission impact on material selection.
• Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

Responsibilities

• Coach and lead suppliers to timely program work.
• Resolve highly sophisticated technical issues and conduct advanced research.
• Recommend design/process changes to improve quality.
• Own material specifications and drawings for assigned components/systems.
• Evaluate alternate materials and coatings to meet performance, cost, and timing targets.
• Lead materials-related failure analysis and corrective actions.
• Support DFMEA, DVP&R and design reviews focusing on material risks.
• Partner with suppliers on material qualification and PPAP.
• Interpret and apply GMW/ASTM/ISO standards; ensure traceability.
• Provide guidance on corrosion prevention for multi-material joints.
• Document test results and lessons learned to stakeholders.
• Evaluate and qualify materials for extreme defense and space environments.
• Support DoD/MIL/aerospace standards compliance.
• Assist design/analysis of armor and thermal protection solutions.
• Develop and execute materials qualification and test plans.
• Collaborate with suppliers to mature advanced materials.

Skills

Materials knowledge

5+ years experience

Materials testing

Engineering standards

Problem solving

Defense/space experience

U.S. Person required

Education

Bachelor's in Materials/Engineering

Job description

GM Defense seeks a technically strong Materials Engineer to lead materials selection, qualification, and application for integrated GM Defense vehicles. You will ensure compliance with GMW/ASTM/DoD standards while balancing performance, survivability, and cost in defense and space contexts.

You will collaborate with Design, Release, Manufacturing, Validation, Purchasing, and Suppliers to mature advanced materials from prototype to production readiness, supporting armor, thermal protection, and