R&D Lab Group Manager- Vehicle Defense Research

Description

The Role

The Vehicle Defense Research group within the Safety, Engineering and Defense Research Lab seeks a strategic and innovative leader to manage a team of Defense Research scientists. You will oversee research planning and execution across defense‑focused domains, including vehicle platforms, software, and hardware.

You will drive innovation across key technical areas and lead the Product Defense and Integration Research Program, covering modeling, safety, analysis, and new experience development. Your expertise in defense, simulation, and engineering will shape future GM capabilities.

This role centers on applied research and the development of new technologies that enhance GM’s product portfolio. As Lab Group Manager, you will collaborate with internal stakeholders to transition research outcomes into vehicle, system, and software applications. You will also cultivate partnerships with universities, research institutes, startups, federal agencies, and advanced technology labs to expand GM’s research capability and influence.

What You'll Do

• Lead and develop a team of research scientists, driving innovation and strong execution.

• Support the team in defining and managing defense research programs, including scope, deliverables, and technical direction.

• Align research priorities with GM needs through collaboration with R&D and Defense teams.

• Strengthen internal and external research partnerships—including universities, federal agencies, national labs, and defense organizations.

• Deliver high‑quality technical reports, publications, and records of invention.

• Lead technical reviews and communicate research progress across the organization.

• Maintain expertise in emerging defense technologies and research trends.

More About Who You Are

• Visionary defense industry leader with a strong record in capture strategy, complex program execution, and long‑term research advancement.

• Builds strong relationships with government agencies, military, and defense contractors.

• Develops team capabilities to support GM’s technology needs.

• Manages budgets effectively to meet research program objectives.

• Supports people development and workplace culture through effective HR coordination.

• Communicates technical challenges and outcomes clearly to leadership.

• Identifies and protects intellectual property critical to research deliverables.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance as of the first day of work.

• Demonstrated expertise in defense contracting, including acquisition lifecycles and government program leadership and execution.

• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and ITAR requirements.

• Proven leadership with strong interpersonal skills.

• PhD or advanced degrees in Engineering, Leadership or Physical Science, with 7+ years of relevant experience.

• Success in R&D technology vision, roadmap development, and project/budget management.

• Ability to manage multiple deliverables across varied technical areas.

• Multidisciplinary engineering leadership expertise.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• 10+ years of defense industry experience.

• 5+ years of people leadership experience.

• Experience in automotive research, testing, and development.

• Background in defense performance testing and program management.

• Strong record of career growth with increasing leadership responsibility.

• Active Top Secret Security Clearance.

This position requires active eligibility to access classified information at the Secret U.S. Security Clearance level for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. The successful candidate must have eligibility to access classified information at that level.

Company Vehicle: Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate. Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.

#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 <25% for this role.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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)

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

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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.

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