Global Chief Engineer in Sterling Heights, Michigan at Land Systems

Position Title: Global Chief Engineer

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: 17855011

Description: Global Chief Engineer

Role Description

The Global Chief Engineer Principal role is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive Chief Engineer / Platform Development strategy. This role is responsible for defining and accountable for driving and governing our Chief Engineering approach for all platforms. The Global Chief Engineer Principal shall drive a robust process so Chief Engineers across the enterprise consistently ensure that our System designs are balanced, safe, reliable, compliant with GDLS and customer requirements, and function within their intended environments (e.g. weight management and accounting in same manner, etc.). In coordination with other Global Principal roles, the Global Chief Engineer will be responsible for defining common components to be leverage across all programs / projects. The Global Chief Engineer will empower CEs in every region to operate as the overall System technical authority for their respective vehicle platforms. Additionally, the Global Chief Engineer Principal will mentor a geographically dispersed team and develop knowledge asset strategies to ensure seamless knowledge transfer.

Note: This will be a lateral move for the selected candidate.

Responsibilities

Parts

• Lead the definition, selection, integration, and roadmap strategy for common / high frequency components and systems, ensuring overall alignment with commonality and performance goals.
• Provide technical expertise for Root Cause and Corrective Action initiatives for complex issues.
• Develop and govern a common component library for high frequency items to allow re-use across programs and collaborate with other Global Principal Engineers to define key components within their areas of expertise.

Mentorship and Knowledge Management

• Establish Enterprise Standards and Best Practices
  • Provide technical leadership to ensure system architecture integrity, offering feedback during design and milestone reviews.
  • Develop and maintain enterprise-wide standards, roadmaps, and best practices for Chief Engineer Activities
  • Drive continuous improvement and knowledge sharing via platforms like KMS and GEARS.
• Facilitate Collaboration
  • Share expertise on approaches, components, and design processes to support global programs and business objectives.
  • Foster cross-functional collaboration and provide technical consultation to integrate enterprise-wide strategies into system designs.
• Research and Innovation
  • Support the development and maintenance of GDLS Product Roadmaps
  • Explore and evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and techniques to keep GDLS at the forefront of industry advancements.

Process and Tools

• Define and implement technical strategies and support architectures that align with long-term program goals
• Standardize Global Design Tools: Define and standardize tools for system design and test, including simulation and modeling tools.
• Align Technical Strategies with Long-Term Goals: Define and implement technical strategies aligned with long-term program objectives and evolving customer needs.
• Conduct Feasibility and Risk Assessments: Perform feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses to prioritize architectural initiatives.
• Stay Informed on Emerging Technologies: Continuously research and assess emerging technologies for their potential impact on GDLS's competitiveness and innovation.
• Maintain and update process documentation, including design guidelines, checklists, and templates, within the Integrated Process System (IPS).

Key Personality Traits and Expected Behaviors

Success in this role requires the following traits and behaviors, which align with GDLS's Global Engineering Field Manual objectives:

• Global Collaboration: Works effectively across geographic, cultural, and functional boundaries, fostering teamwork and alignment to deliver unified solutions.
• Open and Respectful Communication: Communicates clearly, listens actively, and values diverse perspectives, ensuring mutual understanding and trust.
• Commitment to Excellence: Demonstrates a strong work ethic, invests in continuous improvement, and mentors others to achieve high-quality results while proactively identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Ownership and Accountability: Takes responsibility for decisions and outcomes, demonstrating integrity and reliability in all tasks, while actively driving progress and delivering results.
• Innovative Risk-Taking and Change Leadership: Embraces calculated risks to challenge the status quo, driving meaningful innovation and progress. Proactively leads change by anticipating challenges, identifying opportunities, and inspiring teams to adapt and evolve. Balances long-term goals with immediate priorities, ensuring scalable, secure, and innovative solutions
• Resilient Learning: Reflects on mistakes, shares lessons learned, and applies insights to improve future performance

Required/Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related degrees.
• 10+ years of experience in relevant overall Vehicle Design and Leading Complete Vehicle development team across the full life cycle of multiple significant programs (i.e. concept design, requirements development, detailed design and release, qualification, verification and validation, product / field support, etc.). Preference of at least 5 years in a global or cross-functional leadership role.
• Demonstrated high degree of analytical skills, including the ability to analyze data, perform risk assessments, and develop innovative solutions to complex engineering problems
• Superior oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills including the ability to engage with both highly technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proven ability to work effectively across borders, sites, and cultures; experience in global organizations is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of trade compliance, export control, and data protection regulations affecting parts management.
• Ability to mentor, train, and lead geographically dispersed teams.
• Proficient with GDLS processes and products
• Ability to travel (10% Domestic / International) and possess/be able to acquire and maintain a valid passport
• Ability to maintain a Security Clearance
• Must be able to meet Anthropometrical Size Requirements for confined space
• Membership and participation in relevant international professional associations within field of expertise preferred (i.e. IEEE, PMI, SAE, etc)

Updated 2026-04-07

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.
Global Chief Engineer

Role Description

The Global Chief Engineer Principal role is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive Chief Engineer / Platform Development strategy. This role is responsible for defining and accountable for driving and governing our Chief Engineering approach for all platforms. The Global Chief Engineer Principal shall drive a robust process so Chief Engineers across the enterprise consistently ensure that our System designs are balanced, safe, reliable, compliant with GDLS and customer requirements, and function within their intended environments (e.g. weight management and accounting in same manner, etc.). In coordination with other Global Principal roles, the Global Chief Engineer will be responsible for defining common components to be leverage across all programs / projects. The Global Chief Engineer will empower CEs in every region to operate as the overall System technical authority for their respective vehicle platforms. Additionally, the Global Chief Engineer Principal will mentor a geographically dispersed team and develop knowledge asset strategies to ensure seamless knowledge transfer.

Note: This will be a lateral move for the selected candidate.

Responsibilities

Parts

• Lead the definition, selection, integration, and roadmap strategy for common / high frequency components and systems, ensuring overall alignment with commonality and performance goals.
• Provide technical expertise for Root Cause and Corrective Action initiatives for complex issues.
• Develop and govern a common component library for high frequency items to allow re-use across programs and collaborate with other Global Principal Engineers to define key components within their areas of expertise.

Mentorship and Knowledge Management

• Establish Enterprise Standards and Best Practices
  • Provide technical leadership to ensure system architecture integrity, offering feedback during design and milestone reviews.
  • Develop and maintain enterprise-wide standards, roadmaps, and best practices for Chief Engineer Activities
  • Drive continuous improvement and knowledge sharing via platforms like KMS and GEARS.
• Facilitate Collaboration
  • Share expertise on approaches, components, and design processes to support global programs and business objectives.
  • Foster cross-functional collaboration and provide technical consultation to integrate enterprise-wide strategies into system designs.
• Research and Innovation
  • Support the development and maintenance of GDLS Product Roadmaps
  • Explore and evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and techniques to keep GDLS at the forefront of industry advancements.

Process and Tools

• Define and implement technical strategies and support architectures that align with long-term program goals
• Standardize Global Design Tools: Define and standardize tools for system design and test, including simulation and modeling tools.
• Align Technical Strategies with Long-Term Goals: Define and implement technical strategies aligned with long-term program objectives and evolving customer needs.
• Conduct Feasibility and Risk Assessments: Perform feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses to prioritize architectural initiatives.
• Stay Informed on Emerging Technologies: Continuously research and assess emerging technologies for their potential impact on GDLS's competitiveness and innovation.
• Maintain and update process documentation, including design guidelines, checklists, and templates, within the Integrated Process System (IPS).

Key Personality Traits and Expected Behaviors

Success in this role requires the following traits and behaviors, which align with GDLS's Global Engineering Field Manual objectives:

• Global Collaboration: Works effectively across geographic, cultural, and functional boundaries, fostering teamwork and alignment to deliver unified solutions.
• Open and Respectful Communication: Communicates clearly, listens actively, and values diverse perspectives, ensuring mutual understanding and trust.
• Commitment to Excellence: Demonstrates a strong work ethic, invests in continuous improvement, and mentors others to achieve high-quality results while proactively identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Ownership and Accountability: Takes responsibility for decisions and outcomes, demonstrating integrity and reliability in all tasks, while actively driving progress and delivering results.
• Innovative Risk-Taking and Change Leadership: Embraces calculated risks to challenge the status quo, driving meaningful innovation and progress. Proactively leads change by anticipating challenges, identifying opportunities, and inspiring teams to adapt and evolve. Balances long-term goals with immediate priorities, ensuring scalable, secure, and innovative solutions
• Resilient Learning: Reflects on mistakes, shares lessons learned, and applies insights to improve future performance

Required/Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related degrees.
• 10+ years of experience in relevant overall Vehicle Design and Leading Complete Vehicle development team across the full life cycle of multiple significant programs (i.e. concept design, requirements development, detailed design and release, qualification, verification and validation, product / field support, etc.). Preference of at least 5 years in a global or cross-functional leadership role.
• Demonstrated high degree of analytical skills, including the ability to analyze data, perform risk assessments, and develop innovative solutions to complex engineering problems
• Superior oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills including the ability to engage with both highly technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proven ability to work effectively across borders, sites, and cultures; experience in global organizations is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of trade compliance, export control, and data protection regulations affecting parts management.
• Ability to mentor, train, and lead geographically dispersed teams.
• Proficient with GDLS processes and products
• Ability to travel (10% Domestic / International) and possess/be able to acquire and maintain a valid passport
• Ability to maintain a Security Clearance
• Must be able to meet Anthropometrical Size Requirements for confined space
• Membership and participation in relevant international professional associations within field of expertise preferred (i.e. IEEE, PMI, SAE, etc)

Updated 2026-04-07

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.