Chassis Design Engineer - Suspension System Lead - GM Defense

Job Description

The Role

GM Defense is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chassis Design Engineer to lead suspension system development for defense vehicles. In this role, you will provide engineering leadership across the full product lifecycle—from concept development and design through validation, production readiness, and launch—while ensuring suspension systems meet performance, durability, safety, compliance, and mission requirements.

What You'll Do

You’ll lead suspension system development from concept through production, translating vehicle-level performance, durability, safety, and mission requirements into robust component and assembly designs. Working with cross-functional engineering teams, suppliers, and manufacturing partners, you’ll mature designs, resolve issues, and keep component delivery on track.

As the program progresses, you’ll guide analysis and validation, support PTB, APPV/PPV, and NS/S builds, and manage engineering changes through launch. You’ll use CAE, TcVis, field data, and program KPIs to identify risks and opportunities, make informed trade-offs, and drive continuous improvement. You’ll also serve as a technical leader by mentoring junior engineers and helping the team deliver safe, compliant, and production-ready suspension systems.

• Analyze warranty and field data to identify and address design issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Apply DFMEA, DRBFM, and DFSS methodologies to ensure robust design and manufacturing processes.
• Apply GD&T and tolerance analysis principles to critical component and assembly designs.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to complex engineering challenges.
• Benchmark competitive designs and technologies to drive innovation and best practices.
• Demonstrates rapid proficiency in new technologies and engineering tools.
• Design components that support vehicle performance, durability, and safety requirements.
• Develop and manage engineering specifications, requirements, and validation plans.
• Manage component delivery across the product lifecycle, collaborating with suppliers and manufacturing.
• Manage engineering changes and releases throughout the program phases.
• Manage safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements for all suspension system components.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Support PTB, APPV/PPV, NS/S build processes for system validation and production readiness.
• Use CAE and TcVis analysis to optimize designs, predict performance, and identify potential issues.
• Use engineering data and KPIs to track progress, make informed decisions, and drive continuous improvement.

 

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• 10+ years of experience in chassis and suspension system design and development.
• Proficiency in applying DFMEA, DRBFM, and DFSS.
• Demonstrated ability to apply structured problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to rapidly learn and apply new technologies.
• Proven ability to design robust and compliant components.
• Strong project management skills, including component delivery and engineering change management.
• Familiarity with safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements in automotive or defense industries.
• Proven technical leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• 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)

• Expertise in GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience benchmarking competitive designs.
• Experience in developing and managing engineering specifications and validation plans.
• Experience with PTB, APPV/PPV and NS/S processes.
• Proficient in CAE and TcVis analysis tools.
• Ability to utilize engineering data and KPIs for decision-making.

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).

&#xa;&#xa;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).&#xa;&#xa;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}.&#xa;&#xa;The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.&#xa;&#xa;This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.&#xa;&#xa;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).&#xa;&#xa;

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. 

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.