General Motors

Senior Materials Engineer - GM Defense

General Motors • $95K — $115K *
Warren, MI 48089In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in materials engineering, particularly in defense or automotive industries.
  • Strong understanding of metallic materials and polymers/composites, along with their properties.
  • Proficient in material characterization and testing methods.
  • Knowledge of engineering standards like GMW, ASTM, and ISO.

Responsibilities

  • Coach suppliers to ensure timely project execution with high standards.
  • Resolve complex technical issues through advanced research.
  • Propose improvements in product development and design processes.
  • Manage engineering decisions related to materials specifications and documentation.
  • Lead failure analysis and corrective actions for material issues across multiple platforms.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with in-office requirements at least three times a week.
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge defense and space technology projects.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams enhancing collaborative skills.
  • Participation in advanced materials qualification in high-stakes projects.
Full Job Description
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.

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).


#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}.The selected candidate will be required to travel

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

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Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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