Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

The Global Engineering Software Architect Principal is a critical strategic leader responsible for shaping the technology direction and software architecture vision of General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). This role defines and governs a comprehensive, forward-looking software system architecture strategy that maximizes commonality, reuse and interoperability across GDLS platforms and Mission Equipment Products, directly influencing the company’s long-term competitive position.

Acting as a key technology influencer, your role ensures that software architecture choices are tightly aligned with GDLS’s business objectives and evolving customer-driven initiatives such as MOSA, FACE, and GVA. This position requires a visionary with deep expertise in software and cybersecurity frameworks, design patterns, data architecture, and model-based systems engineering (SysML/UML), who can anticipate future operational needs and translate them into a coherent technology roadmap.

By mentoring a geographically dispersed team and collaborating closely with Chief Engineers, Product Managers, and Program Managers, the architect drives enterprise-wide alignment, innovation, and reuse. This role is central to positioning GDLS at the forefront of defense technology and ensuring that strategic technology investments deliver enduring value to the company and its customers. 

Responsibilities  

Develop and Govern Global Software Architecture Strategy with Enterprise Impact 

• Chair the Global Software Architecture Strategy Work Group to define and implement a cohesive, enterprise-wide software architecture vision that directly supports GDLS’s strategic and business goals.
• Shape the company’s technology roadmap by integrating emerging technologies, open standards, and industry best practices to maintain and extend GDLS’s competitive advantage.
• Establish measurable criteria to ensure architecture consistency, scalability, security, and quality across all programs, enabling strategic reuse and interoperability.
• Drive the adoption of modular, reusable, and maintainable software solutions that enable rapid adaptation to changing mission requirements and future capabilities.

Strategic Technical Leadership and Governance 

• Serve as the authoritative technical voice on software architecture, providing strategic guidance on complex issues, root cause analysis, and corrective actions that impact program and portfolio outcomes.
• Lead governance and continuous improvement of software design processes, ensuring alignment with long-term program roadmaps, customer needs, and corporate technology strategy.

Enterprise Mentorship and Knowledge Stewardship

• Mentor and develop software architects and engineers across sites, building a culture of technical excellence and strategic thinking.
• Define and maintain enterprise software architecture standards, patterns, and reference designs to guide consistent technical decisions.
• Promote effective knowledge sharing (design reviews, communities of practice, reusable assets) to accelerate learning and reuse.

Process and Tools

• Define and enforce criteria for architecture consistency, scalability, security, and quality.
• Maintain standardized templates and tools for architecture documentation, management plans, and complexity tracking.
• Govern the use of UML/SysML modeling and tools (e.g., Cameo) for clear and consistent architecture models.
• Establish practical guidelines for agile development, requirements quality, and design verification.
• Drive continuous improvement of software design processes and toolchains in line with industry best practices and program objectives.
• Promote Open Standards and Tools:
• Develop strategies leveraging open standards and tools (e.g., DDS, containerization, virtualization, static/dynamic analysis, and automated testing).
• Promote design patterns for efficient, reusable, and maintainable software solutions. 

  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

About GDLS:
General Dynamics Land Systems builds the combat vehicles and integrated technologies that give soldiers a decisive advantage. We design, engineer and sustain advanced tracked and wheeled systems paired with modern electronic architecture, AI-enabled capabilities and autonomy-ready technology. 

• From Abrams to LAV, Stryker to AJAX, robotic platforms to software solutions and beyond, our portfolio delivers proven performance and future-ready modernization for customers around the world. 
• Join the people who design, build and advance the systems that protect those who protect us. Our teams see beyond the horizon, solving problems before they become challenges. 

 Bring your talent. Bring your purpose.

• Let’s shape the future of General Dynamics Land Systems together. 

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