Software Configuration Staff Lead

General Dynamics Land Systems; Sterling Heights (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics Land Systems is seeking a Software Configuration Staff Lead in Sterling Heights, MI to manage software configuration management across multi-project programs. The role drives CM plans, baselines, and release governance with cross-functional teams, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate brings 7–10 years in CM/DevOps, strong Git/Jenkins/Azure DevOps experience, and a track record of improving tooling and processes within defense or aerospace environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, or related field.
• 7–10 years of software configuration management or DevOps experience.
• Experience with Git and branching strategies; CI/CD tooling.
• Strong understanding of CM principles and release management.
• Ability to lead multi-project environments and coordinate audits.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain SCM plans, policies, and procedures.
• Define and enforce versioning, branching, release management standards.
• Ensure CM practices align with ISO/CMMI/contractual standards.
• Establish and maintain software baselines; manage CCBs; change impact analyses.
• Administer and optimize SCM tools (Git, GitHub/GitLab, Jenkins, Azure DevOps).
• Develop scripts and automation to support build, packaging, release.
• Coordinate builds/releases; maintain release notes and docs.
• Support audits and provide CM training.

Skills

CM leadership

DevOps

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE/IT or related field

Tools

Git

GitHub/GitLab

Jenkins

Azure DevOps

Cameo modeling

Job description

About GDLS:

General Dynamics Land Systems builds the combat vehicles and integrated technologies that give soldiers a decisive advantage. We design, engineer and sustain advanced tracked and wheeled systems paired with modern electronic architecture, AI-enabled capabilities and autonomy-ready technology. From Abrams to LAV, Stryker to AJAX, robotic platforms to software solutions and beyond, our portfolio delivers proven performance and future-ready modernization for customers around the world. Join the people who design, build and advance the systems that protect those who protect us. Our teams see beyond the horizon, solving problems before they become challenges. Bring your talent. Bring your purpose. Let's shape the future of General Dynamics Land Systems together.

About the Role

The Software Configuration Staff Lead is responsible for establishing and maintaining robust configuration management practices across software products and supporting tools. This role ensures that software baselines are controlled, changes are traceable, and releases are delivered with high quality and compliance to organizational and contractual standards.

The ideal candidate has several years of experience in software configuration management or DevOps, is comfortable working with cross-functional engineering teams, and can drive process improvements in a complex, multi-project environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Configuration Management Strategy & Governance

• • Develop, implement, and maintain software configuration management (SCM) plans, policies, and procedures for assigned programs.
  • Define and enforce standards for versioning, branching, merging, and release management across repositories.
  • Ensure configuration management practices align with organizational quality, security, and compliance requirements (e.g., ISO, CMMI, contractual standards).

• Baseline & Change Control

• • Establish and maintain controlled software baselines for development, test, and production environments.
  • Administer and support Configuration Control Boards (CCBs), including preparation of change requests, impact analyses, and documentation.
  • Track and report configuration status, including changes, deviations, waivers, and release contents.

• Tools & Automation

• • Administer and optimize SCM tools (e.g., Git, GitLab/GitHub, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, or similar).
  • Experienced in utilizing the Cameo modeling tool for developing, visualizing, and managing complex system and software architectures.
  • Develop and maintain scripts and automation to support build, packaging, and release processes.
  • Collaborate with DevOps, IT, and security teams to ensure toolchains are secure, reliable, and scalable.

• Build & Release Management

• • Coordinate and execute software builds and releases, ensuring reproducibility and traceability of all deliverables.
  • Maintain release notes, build manifests, and associated documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support integration and deployment activities, including troubleshooting build/configuration issues.

• Documentation & Audits

• • Maintain accurate configuration records, including item identification, version history, and relationships between software components.
  • Prepare and support internal and external audits, reviews, and assessments related to configuration management.
  • Provide training and guidance to project teams on CM processes, tools, and best practices.
  • Skilled in supporting the creation of detailed and tailored Software Development Plans that outline project scope, schedules, resources, risk management, quality assurance, and development methodologies to ensure successful project execution and compliance with industry standards.
  • Proficient in supporting the documenting of software architectural designs that clearly define system components, their interactions, design rationale, and architectural patterns.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• • Work closely with software engineering, systems engineering, quality assurance, and program management to ensure configuration integrity.
  • Participate in project planning and risk management activities, providing CM input and recommendations.
  • Act as a subject-matter resource for configuration management across multiple projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.

• Typically 7-10 years of experience in software configuration management, DevOps, or related software engineering roles.

• Hands-on experience with modern version control systems (e.g., Git) and branching strategies (GitFlow, trunk-based, etc.).

• Experience administering and using CI/CD and SCM tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps, or similar).

• Strong understanding of configuration management principles, including identification, change control, status accounting, and audits.

• Demonstrated experience managing baselines and releases in a multi-team or multi-project environment.

• Ability to interpret and apply process frameworks and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, CMMI, or similar).

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience creating CM plans, procedures, and reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a regulated or defense/aerospace environment, working with contractual or regulatory CM requirements.

• Familiarity with software development lifecycles (SAFe Agile, Scrum, Kanban, or hybrid models).

• Experience integrating CM practices into DevOps pipelines and infrastructure-as-code environments.

• Knowledge of issue/defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Azure Boards) and their integration with SCM systems.

• Experience supporting formal reviews, audits, or customer deliveries.

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CM-related certifications, ITIL, or project management certifications).

Competencies & Attributes

• Strong ownership mindset and ability to drive process adherence across teams.

• Analytical and systematic approach to problem-solving.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Continuous improvement orientation; comfortable proposing and implementing enhancements to tools and processes.

• High integrity and commitment to quality and compliance.

Work Environment & Travel

• Primarily office-based or hybrid, depending on location and business needs.

• Occasional travel may be required to support program reviews, audits, or coordination with other sites.