Advanced Vehicle Engineering Design Group Manager

GM•Milford, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Vehicle Engineering Design Group Manager (DGM) leads the up-front, progressive design activities for low volume Engineering and Manufacturing programs in a fast-paced, highly technical environment. You will lead, manage, mentor, and oversee a team of Designers delivering complete vehicle design solutions that meet Business Development, program, and customer requirements. This includes workload prioritization and balancing, driving creative and innovative design solutions for low volume manufacturing environment, and ensuring robust execution of key design deliverables across programs. The DGM will collaborate extensively with Chief Engineers, Program Engineering Managers, Architecture System Engineers, Compartment Integration Teams, Advanced Build Operations, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and other stakeholders. You will also build and foster strong relationships with GM’s Commercial (LLC) Design organizations to leverage common processes, tools, and resources where appropriate. This role is part of a project expected to last approximately three years.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Design Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
10+ years of post‑graduation experience in design, engineering, manufacturing, and leadership, preferably with complex vehicle systems.
Demonstrated experience leading design or engineering teams, including setting direction, mentoring, and driving results in a cross‑functional environment.
Strong understanding of design and engineering operations, processes, and best practices, including product development methodologies and engineering systems/tools.
Complete vehicle design experience, with proven ability to design in context within tight packaging and performance constraints.
Extensive analytical ability and a track record of making sound decisions under ambiguity on unusual, difficult, or complex problems.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with engineers, managers, executives, and outside customers.
Strong interpersonal skills to motivate, engage, and align cross‑functional teams.
Eligible to obtain a security clearance after hire.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of commonly used materials and related properties, component fabrication methods, and Press Brake / fixtureless bending.
Experience working with internal and external fabrication shops, including prototype and low‑volume environments.
Design experience with armor system designs and survivability‑driven solutions.
Ability to apply advanced design tools to increase robustness and efficiency (e.g., modern CAD/PLM, analysis‑driven design).
Understanding analysis tools (CAE, 3D Scanning, etc) and how to integrate analysis into the design process.
Capability and desire to create and review math data daily.
Expert understanding of the Vehicle Architecture System (VAS) and File organization.
Understanding of NX / TeamCenter data management for release to production and file transfers.
Capability and knowledge to create and review Engineering Drawings within NX.

Responsibilities

Lead a highly skilled, wide‑scoped design team, providing day‑to‑day direction, coaching, and mentoring.
Set clear individual and team priorities, assign and balance workload to meet program milestones and deliverables.
Conduct regular group meetings, communicate policies, procedures, leadership, and safety messages, and share business and program updates.
Provide continuous performance feedback, recognition, and development planning, support training needs and career development goals for team members.
Lead the team to meet program key design deliverables for all projects, ensuring strong technical solutions and high design quality.
Champion innovative, design solutions suitable for low volume manufacturing techniques.
Lead the team in problem solving as new issues and opportunities emerge, often under ambiguity and aggressive timelines.
Ensure alignment and integration with cross‑functional partners (engineering, manufacturing, advanced builds, suppliers) to deliver cohesive vehicle design solutions from concept through build.
Develop and improve design processes, standards, and operational plans to support business strategies, with direct impact on functional results.
Influence adoption of new concepts, practices, and approaches across the organization, including solving complex problems where procedures may be undefined.
Oversee and approve work schedules, overtime, and other work‑related records, ensuring efficient and compliant operations.
Proactively identify and remove roadblocks, escalating or resolving issues to maintain program momentum and quality.