Welding & Joining Launch Engineer, Armored Vehicles - GM Defense

• Work with

on armored vehicle programs (critical joints, ballistic zones, fatigue-critical regions).

• Interface with

to verify their welding and joining processes comply with GM Defense standards, customer specifications, and applicable military standards.

• Develop and execute the

for armored structures, including:

• WPS/PQR development and approval
• Weld sample and coupon testing (mechanical and ballistic where applicable)
• NDE plans (e.g., visual, MT, UT, RT as required by standard or customer)

• Develop

for welding operations during launch (robotic cells, manual stations, rework capability, inspection resources).

• Obtain

using GM/GM Defense systems and processes; maintain alignment with program budgets and milestones.

• Define and execute

in GM labs and/or supplier facilities, including weld verification builds, try-out runs, and process capability checks.

• Communicate

during and on completion of launches and feed them back into GM Defense standards, best practices, and future program planning.

• Support the

• Work closely with GM Defense ME and functional areas to

(equipment, fixtures, inspection methods, data systems) for armored vehicle launch.

• Assist in the

of plant floor welding and joining equipment (primarily MIG, plus resistance and mechanical joining where present).

• Coordinate

to streamline welding and joining processes, improve flow, and support ramp-up to target volumes.

• Provide

at the plant, including parameter verification, troubleshooting, and operator training support.

• Report on

at operating units, including readiness metrics, open issues, and risk mitigation plans.

• Work closely with operating units to

for welding operations on armored structures.

• Collaborate with other engineers, skilled trades, and managers to accomplish

, provide project cost and timing estimates, and support program timing.

• Implement common

at launch sites, ensuring consistent application of GM Defense welding requirements.

• Read and understand

specific to armored vehicle structures.

• Provide

• Bachelor's degree in

, or equivalent years of welding experience in complex metals, armor, etc.

• 5 or more years of experience in

.

• Good understanding of

for structural and safety-critical joints.

• Experience with

(e.g., weld maps, torque/weld logs, traceability).

• Knowledge of

and resistance welding systems; ability to interface with weld controllers, robots, and data systems during launch.

• Body shop or heavy fabrication

, including support of ramp-up, issue resolution, and process stabilization.

• Knowledge of

, particularly fixturing, gun alignment, tip wear, and weld access issues.

• Demonstrated knowledge of

used in joining processes (weld controllers, guns, servos, robots, riveters or mechanical fasteners if used).

• High level of

, using structured methods and data to drive root cause and corrective action.

• Strong

, with the ability to work effectively cross-functionally, cross-culturally, and with external defense customers/partners.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for

.

• Ability to

where standardized work is still being refined.

• Ability to

and manage multiple launch activities in parallel.

• Proficiency with

(Microsoft Office, Teams, Teamcenter/PLM tools, weld data systems) - intermediate level.

• Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

• Knowledge of

methods (e.g., flow drill screws, self-pierce rivets) as applied to armored or mixed-material structures.

• Knowledge of

and dashboards (e.g., data collection gateways, weld quality monitoring tools) and their use during launch.

• Knowledge of

and structured launch processes OR similar structured processes in defense/heavy industries.

• Experience with

where welding quality and traceability are tightly controlled.

• Familiarity with

• Primary work location

with time spent at other GM Defense-designated engineering sites as needed

• Domestic Travel required, especially during

of programs, to plants, suppliers, and test sites.

• Available Overtime and work schedule will vary based on