Global Vetronic Architect Principal at Land Systems – Sterling Heights, Michigan

Position Title: Global Vetronic Architect Principal

Location: Sterling Heights, MI, United States

Category: Engineering

Job Type: Full-Time

Country: United States

State: MI

City: Sterling Heights

Remote Work Options: On-Site

Security Clearance Required: Ability to obtain security clearance

Career Level: Senior

Requisition ID: 17414611

Description: Role Description

The Global Engineering Vetronics Architect Principal is responsible for developing a comprehensive vetronics system architecture strategy aimed at maximizing commonality across GDLS platforms and Mission Equipment Products, including but not limited to NGEA components. A key responsibility of this role is to define a reference architecture that aligns with customer-driven initiatives (e.g., MOSA and GVA). The role requires deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and strong communication skills to align technical solutions with business objectives.

The Architect Principal drives decisions on core competencies—determining which vetronic capabilities should be developed in-house versus leveraging industry solutions through partnerships or key technology providers and incorporates technological advancements within the industry. Additionally, they mentor a geographically dispersed team, develop knowledge asset strategies for seamless knowledge transfer, and collaborate closely with other Global Principal roles, particularly the Global Software Architect Principal, to ensure alignment across disciplines. The Global Engineering Vetronics Architect Principal will coordinate with Chief Engineers, Product Managers, and Program Managers to ensure each program is aligned with the GDLS Vetronics Systems strategic vision and utilizing a common approach including Next Generation Electronic Hardware where appropriate. This approach ensures GDLS maintains a competitive advantage and influences future IRAD investments to strategically position GDLS as an industry leader.

Company Information:

General Dynamics is a successful Fortune 100, global aerospace and defense company, with over 90,000 employees world-wide. General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, has a strong foundation of delivering core engineering and manufacturing capabilities to our clients for military vehicles. Our team is focused on continuous process and productivity improvements that reduce product costs, while increasing troop safety and effectiveness. Land Systems continues to work with the US Armed Forces and its Allies to ensure these vehicles remain survivable, relevant, flexible, affordable and capable of addressing a dynamic threat environment.

What We Offer:

If you are just starting your career or are an experience professional, we offer a Total Rewards package that is Impactful and built for you.

• Healthcare including medical, dental, vision, HSA and Flex Spending
• Competitive base pay, incentive pay that rewards individual and team performance, and comprehensive benefits.
• 401k Match (6%)
• Educational assistance
• 9-80 Work Schedule (The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.)
• On-going learning opportunities within a diverse, inclusive and rewarding work environment
• Onsite Cafeteria, remodeled and updated fitness center, and outdoor fitness track

Responsibilities

Parts

• Lead the definition, selection, integration and roadmap strategy for our vetronic architecture and Next Generation Electronic Hardware (NGEA) components, ensuring overall alignment.
• Evaluate concept configurations and oversee the integration of NGEA components into vehicle vetronic architectures to achieve our commonality objectives.
• Manage the vetronic reference architecture and NGEA hardware portfolio to maximize commonality & SWaP-C, minimizing size and cost, while maximizing performance and capability to market individual LRUs/LRMs as capability solutions (including developing and driving a common component library to leverage improvement in procurement & lead-time)

Mentorship and Knowledge Management

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to ensure the integrity of system architectures, offering feedback during design and milestone reviews.
• Proactively share subject matter expertise on vetronic architecture, NGEA components and design processes to support global programs and achieve business objectives.
• Develop and populate knowledge assets for vetronic architecture, NGEA components (LRU/LRM), software infrastructure and hardware design domains in the GEARS Knowledge Management System, coordinating with relevant functional groups and regions.

Process and Tools

• Define and implement technical strategies and supporting architectures that align with long-term program goals.
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments, including cost-benefit analyses, for various architectural studies.
• Foster collaboration through clear communication with stakeholders across teams.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and assess their potential impact on GDLS competitiveness.
• Ensure architectures are scalable, secure, and reliable, and align NGEA investment strategies with evolving customer requirements.
• Lead the definition, governance, and continuous improvement of vetronic hardware and hardware design processes, incorporating industry best practices.
• Define and standardize global design tools for Vetronic Architecture design (ex SysML/Cameo), Electronic Hardware Design, including schematic design, simulation, FPGA programming, and thermal modeling.

Maintain and update process documentation, including design guidelines, checklists, and templates, within the Integrated Process System (IPS).

Bonus Requirements:

• This position will require eligibility to obtain a US security clearance. (Non-US Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance)
• Experience working with or in defense industry or federal environment a bonus
• Must be able to work evening and/or weekend overtime as needed
• Able to travel up to 10% if needed

GDLS considers factors such as, scope/responsibilities of the position, candidate experience, education/training background, in addition to local market comparable and business considerations when extending an offer.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people across 65 countries worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, more information is available at www.gd.com. General Dynamics Land Systems, is a business unit of General Dynamics, and is an innovative leader of ground combat systems' equipment and software for our clients. Our performance-driven team partners with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corp and other militaries across the Globe to ensure that next generation ground combat vehicles are ready to protect our fighting men and women in uniform. General Dynamics Lands Systems provides a competitive compensation package, site specific flexible work schedules, 401(k) with Company Match; Bonus Eligibility, Employee Development Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, On-site Amenities, and comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, General Dynamics Land Systems ("GDLS") provides all persons with equal opportunity and access to all aspects of employment process, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. GDLS also is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation to search or apply for an opportunity with GDLS, please call 586-825-4000 or send an e-mail to for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Role Description

The Global Engineering Vetronics Architect Principal is responsible for developing a comprehensive vetronics system architecture strategy aimed at maximizing commonality across GDLS platforms and Mission Equipment Products, including but not limited to NGEA components. A key responsibility of this role is to define a reference architecture that aligns with customer-driven initiatives (e.g., MOSA and GVA). The role requires deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and strong communication skills to align technical solutions with business objectives.

The Architect Principal drives decisions on core competencies—determining which vetronic capabilities should be developed in-house versus leveraging industry solutions through partnerships or key technology providers and incorporates technological advancements within the industry. Additionally, they mentor a geographically dispersed team, develop knowledge asset strategies for seamless knowledge transfer, and collaborate closely with other Global Principal roles, particularly the Global Software Architect Principal, to ensure alignment across disciplines. The Global Engineering Vetronics Architect Principal will coordinate with Chief Engineers, Product Managers, and Program Managers to ensure each program is aligned with the GDLS Vetronics Systems strategic vision and utilizing a common approach including Next Generation Electronic Hardware where appropriate. This approach ensures GDLS maintains a competitive advantage and influences future IRAD investments to strategically position GDLS as an industry leader.

Company Information:

General Dynamics is a successful Fortune 100, global aerospace and defense company, with over 90,000 employees world-wide. General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, has a strong foundation of delivering core engineering and manufacturing capabilities to our clients for military vehicles. Our team is focused on continuous process and productivity improvements that reduce product costs, while increasing troop safety and effectiveness. Land Systems continues to work with the US Armed Forces and its Allies to ensure these vehicles remain survivable, relevant, flexible, affordable and capable of addressing a dynamic threat environment.

What We Offer:

If you are just starting your career or are an experience professional, we offer a Total Rewards package that is Impactful and built for you.

• Healthcare including medical, dental, vision, HSA and Flex Spending
• Competitive base pay, incentive pay that rewards individual and team performance, and comprehensive benefits.
• 401k Match (6%)
• Educational assistance
• 9-80 Work Schedule (The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.)
• On-going learning opportunities within a diverse, inclusive and rewarding work environment
• Onsite Cafeteria, remodeled and updated fitness center, and outdoor fitness track

Responsibilities

Parts

• Lead the definition, selection, integration and roadmap strategy for our vetronic architecture and Next Generation Electronic Hardware (NGEA) components, ensuring overall alignment.
• Evaluate concept configurations and oversee the integration of NGEA components into vehicle vetronic architectures to achieve our commonality objectives.
• Manage the vetronic reference architecture and NGEA hardware portfolio to maximize commonality & SWaP-C, minimizing size and cost, while maximizing performance and capability to market individual LRUs/LRMs as capability solutions (including developing and driving a common component library to leverage improvement in procurement & lead-time)

Mentorship and Knowledge Management

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to ensure the integrity of system architectures, offering feedback during design and milestone reviews.
• Proactively share subject matter expertise on vetronic architecture, NGEA components and design processes to support global programs and achieve business objectives.
• Develop and populate knowledge assets for vetronic architecture, NGEA components (LRU/LRM), software infrastructure and hardware design domains in the GEARS Knowledge Management System, coordinating with relevant functional groups and regions.

Process and Tools

• Define and implement technical strategies and supporting architectures that align with long-term program goals.
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments, including cost-benefit analyses, for various architectural studies.
• Foster collaboration through clear communication with stakeholders across teams.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and assess their potential impact on GDLS competitiveness.
• Ensure architectures are scalable, secure, and reliable, and align NGEA investment strategies with evolving customer requirements.
• Lead the definition, governance, and continuous improvement of vetronic hardware and hardware design processes, incorporating industry best practices.
• Define and standardize global design tools for Vetronic Architecture design (ex SysML/Cameo), Electronic Hardware Design, including schematic design, simulation, FPGA programming, and thermal modeling.

Maintain and update process documentation, including design guidelines, checklists, and templates, within the Integrated Process System (IPS).

Bonus Requirements:

• This position will require eligibility to obtain a US security clearance. (Non-US Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance)
• Experience working with or in defense industry or federal environment a bonus
• Must be able to work evening and/or weekend overtime as needed
• Able to travel up to 10% if needed

GDLS considers factors such as, scope/responsibilities of the position, candidate experience, education/training background, in addition to local market comparable and business considerations when extending an offer.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people across 65 countries worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, more information is available at www.gd.com. General Dynamics Land Systems, is a business unit of General Dynamics, and is an innovative leader of ground combat systems' equipment and software for our clients. Our performance-driven team partners with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corp and other militaries across the Globe to ensure that next generation ground combat vehicles are ready to protect our fighting men and women in uniform. General Dynamics Lands Systems provides a competitive compensation package, site specific flexible work schedules, 401(k) with Company Match; Bonus Eligibility, Employee Development Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, On-site Amenities, and comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, General Dynamics Land Systems ("GDLS") provides all persons with equal opportunity and access to all aspects of employment process, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. GDLS also is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation to search or apply for an opportunity with GDLS, please call 586-825-4000 or send an e-mail to for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.