Lead Software and Controls Engineer - GM Defense

General Motors; Milford Charter Township (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

GM Defense is seeking a Lead Software & Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement embedded control algorithms for both vehicle and non-vehicle applications, reporting to the ESCS leadership.

You will lead a hands-on team, drive architectural software decisions, and ensure compliance with government specifications while delivering in fast-paced programs.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Extensive embedded controls experience (algorithm, software or calibration).
• 5+ years' experience in C programming, Matlab, and Simulink algorithm development.
• Experience with Agile CI/CD workflows and managing automated build environments.
• Experience with development and test tools such as INCA and Vehicle Spy (VSpy), as well as software build tools (Git/Jenkins).
• Deep familiarity with GM data logging tools and file formats.
• Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle.
• This position requires either a U.S. Person (as defined in applicable export regulations) or a non-U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain required export authorization(s).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of embedded control systems for our unique customer base.
• Mentor and guide engineering team members, driving best practices in software architecture.
• Resolve highly sophisticated technical issues in an ambiguous, fast-moving, start-up-style environment.
• Operate with high independence and judgment to drive immediate results on critical programs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to implement custom solutions while balancing GM best practices with strict government specifications.
• Lead software verification and feature validation initiatives.
• Lead electrical design/peer reviews and present updates to cross-functional program integration teams and leadership as needed.
• Stay abreast of the latest simulation and controls methods, integrating new technologies into team workflows.

Skills

C programming

MATLAB

Simulink

Embedded controls

Agile CI/CD

INCA

Vehicle Spy (VSpy)

Git/Jenkins

GM data logging tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

INCA

Vehicle Spy (VSpy)

Git/Jenkins

Job description

Job Description

The Role

GM Defense is moving fast to deliver advanced mobility solutions for government markets. We are seeking a highly capable Lead Software & Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement custom embedded control algorithms, and drive architectural software decisions. This position will support both vehicle and non-vehicle applications across our unique portfolio.

Reporting to the EGM of Electrical Systems, Controls, and Software (ESCS) team, you will be hands-on in writing code and integrating requirements specific to GM Defense platforms while providing technical leadership. This is a fast-paced role where you will operate with a high level of independent judgment to immediately impact compressed-timeline programs-such as developing in-house controls solutions (like custom Vehicle Interface Modules) and optimizing system performance across complex electrical architectures.

What You'll Do

Serve as the technical expert and lead for the design, development, and implementation of embedded control systems for our unique customer base.

Mentor and guide engineering team members, driving best practices in software architecture.

Resolve highly sophisticated technical issues in an ambiguous, fast-moving, start-up-style environment.

Operate with high independence and judgment to drive immediate results on critical programs.

Collaborate cross-functionally to implement custom solutions while balancing GM best practices with strict government specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and test of complex controls using C hand code, MATLAB, & Simulink tools for both vehicle and non-vehicle applications.
• Work collaboratively with systems integration engineers to implement control algorithms for propulsion, chassis, and other complex systems into existing or new supervisory controls.
• Describe, report on, and defend algorithm design choices and function to technical leadership.
• Drive the calibration of controls to optimize overall system performance.
• Collaborate with embedded controls teams from the greater GM organizations to implement requirements that are unique to GM Defense customers.
• Work with technical leads to develop and baseline requirements for embedded controls and software.
• Lead software verification and feature validation initiatives.
• Work to achieve compliance and balance between GM Best Practices and government specifications.
• Lead electrical design/peer reviews and present updates to cross-functional program integration teams and leadership as needed.
• Stay abreast of the latest simulation and controls methods, integrating new technologies into team workflows.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Extensive embedded controls experience (algorithm, software or calibration).
• 5+ years' experience in C programming, Matlab, and Simulink algorithm development.
• Experience with Agile CI/CD workflows and managing automated build environments.
• Experience with development and test tools such as INCA and Vehicle Spy (VSpy), as well as software build tools (Git/Jenkins).
• Deep familiarity with GM data logging tools and file formats.
• Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle.
• This position requires either a U.S. Person (as defined in applicable export regulations) or a non-U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain required export authorization(s).

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master's degree in an Engineering discipline.
• Familiarity with GM's VIP electrical architecture.
• GM Level 2 Driving Certification.
• Vehicle development and vehicle build experience.
• GM DFSS Black Belt Certification, or in process.

#GMD

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}.

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

This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Report review.

The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be either a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. … etc ) or a non-U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain any required export control authorization.

About GM

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