Senior Materials Engineer - GM Defense

GM Defense; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

GM Defense is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer to provide technical leadership in materials selection, qualification, and application for defense-grade vehicle systems. You will ensure compliance with GMW/ASTM/ISO standards and work with cross-functional teams to balance performance, durability, weight, and cost in extreme environments.

The role covers failure analysis, supplier qualification, design reviews, and the development of qualification/test plans for defense and space-relevant

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a materials-related field and 5+ years in materials engineering.
• Strong knowledge of metallic materials and/or polymers/composites.
• Experience with material testing and qualification per DoD/aerospace standards.
• U.S. Person status required.

Responsibilities

• Lead materials selection and qualification for defense and space-relevant programs.
• Develop material specs, drawings, and documentation traceability.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams on PPAP and DFMEA.
• Conduct failure analyses and root-cause investigations.
• Ensure compliance with DoD and aerospace material standards.

Skills

Materials engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or related field

Tools

GMW/ASTM/ISO standards

Material characterization

PPAP/DFMEA knowledge

Job description

GM Defense GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense’s technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com.

Job Description

GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense’s technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com.

The Role

In this role you'll provide technical leadership in materials selection, qualification, and application for GM Defense integrated vehicles. Ensure compliance to GM material specifications (e.g., GMW, ASTM) and support robust, cost-effective designs that meet performance, durability, and corrosion requirements in collaboration with cross-functional teams (Design, Release, Manufacturing, Validation, Purchasing, Suppliers). This role will also lead materials selection and qualification for defense and emerging space-related applications, ensuring compliance with applicable DoD, MIL, and aerospace/space material standards while balancing performance, survivability, weight, and cost.

What You’ll Do

• Coach and lead suppliers to timely execution of program work with perfection.
• Resolve highly sophisticated technical issues and conduct advanced research.
• Recommend alterations to development and design to improve quality of products and/or procedures.
• Own materials engineering decisions for assigned components/systems, including definition and maintenance of material specifications and drawings.
• Evaluate and approve alternate materials and coatings (e.g., metallics, polymers/composites, surface treatments) to meet performance, cost, and timing targets.
• Lead materials-related failure analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective actions for field, plant, and test issues.
• Support DREs and Design with DFMEA, DVP&R, and design reviews focusing on material risks, manufacturability, and corrosion/durability.
• Partner with suppliers on material qualification, PPAP, and ongoing quality/performance monitoring.
• Interpret and apply GMW/ASTM/ISO material and test standards; ensure documentation and data traceability.
• Provide guidance on corrosion prevention, coatings, and compatibility for multi-material joints and fastened assemblies.
• Document and communicate technical recommendations, test results, and lessons learned to stakeholders.
• Evaluate and qualify materials for extreme defense and space environments (e.g., high-g and blast loading, thermal cycling, vibration, vacuum/outgassing, radiation, and atomic oxygen).
• Interpret and apply DoD, MIL, and aerospace/space materials standards (e.g., MIL-STD/MIL-PRF, NASA material and process specifications) and ensure traceable compliance in material and process documentation.
• Support design and analysis of armor, survivability, thermal protection, and signature management solutions (e.g., ballistic/blast-resistant materials, thermal barrier coatings, low-observable coatings) for GM Defense platforms.
• Develop and execute materials qualification and test plans in collaboration with government customers, test facilities, and suppliers, including ground- or flight-representative test configurations where applicable.
• Partner with suppliers to mature advanced materials and processes (e.g., high-temperature alloys, ceramic and composite systems, additive manufacturing materials, ablatives/thermal protection systems) from prototype through production readiness for defense and space-relevant programs.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required 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 (e.g., steels, aluminum alloys) 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 (e.g., 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 how environment and mission profile drive material selection and qualification.
• 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)

• Experience with corrosion engineering, surface treatments, and protective coatings for automotive/defense applications.
• Experience working with suppliers and manufacturing plants (launch, quality, continuous improvement).
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and report writing for test and validation results.
• Vehicle launch experience
• General knowledge of cost drivers within the material forming space
• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Materials or related field.
• Experience with DoD and aerospace/space material and test standards (e.g., MIL-STD/MIL-PRF, MIL-STD-810, NASA materials and processes specifications) and associated qualification approaches.
• Background in materials for survivability and space environments, such as armor systems, high-temperature alloys, ceramic and composite materials, thermal protection systems, and radiation- or space-environment–tolerant polymers and coatings.
• Experience collaborating with U.S. Government/DoD customers on materials-related requirements, compliance, and data packages (e.g., qualification reports, material allowables, configuration-controlled specifications).

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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