Welding Project Manager Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

About GM Defense

GM Defense delivers advanced, commercially proven technologies to military, government and security customers, rapidly adapting General Motors' cutting-edge automotive platforms for demanding defense applications. Our teams work at the intersection of electrification, autonomy, and integrated vehicle systems to support those who serve.

Joining GM Defense means being part of a mission-driven organization where your engineering work directly supports defense and national security customers. You will collaborate across GM and with government and industry partners to develop and integrate armor into tactical and specialty vehicles.

The Role

The Welding & Joining Launch Engineer - Armored Vehicles is responsible for launching and validating welding and joining processes (with emphasis on MIG welding of armored structures) for GM Defense vehicle programs. This role ensures that all weld verification, qualification, and joining processes for armored structures meet GM Defense, customer, and military requirements during prototype, pilot, and production launch phases.

Work is performed in a central manufacturing engineering environment, at strategic suppliers, and transitions to the assembly plant / launch site for handson launch support.

Specific Key Job Elements

Welding & Joining Launch Engineer - Armored Vehicles:

• Work with Manufacturing Architects, ME, PI, Design, Quality, and Program teams to identify all welding and joining special conditions on armored vehicle programs (critical joints, ballistic zones, fatiguecritical regions).

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

• Develop and execute the weld verification and qualification strategy 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 resource and staffing strategies for welding operations during launch (robotic cells, manual stations, rework capability, inspection resources).

• Obtain project approvals and funding using GM/GM Defense systems and processes; maintain alignment with program budgets and milestones.

• Define and execute program work testing in GM labs and/or supplier facilities, including weld verification builds, tryout runs, and process capability checks.

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

• Support the implementation of new welding and joining technologies on armored vehicle programs through engineering, prototype, and launch phases.

Key Job Elements Include

• Work closely with GM Defense ME and functional areas to define welding and joining system requirements (equipment, fixtures, inspection methods, data systems) for armored vehicle launch.

• Assist in the integration, startup, and debug of plant floor welding and joining equipment (primarily MIG, plus resistance and mechanical joining where present).

• Coordinate business process and reengineering projects to streamline welding and joining processes, improve flow, and support rampup to target volumes.

• Provide onsite support during implementation and launch phases at the plant, including parameter verification, troubleshooting, and operator training support.

• Report on status of welding and joining systems at operating units, including readiness metrics, open issues, and risk mitigation plans.

• Work closely with operating units to improve productivity, cost, quality, and safety for welding operations on armored structures.

• Collaborate with other engineers, skilled trades, and managers to accomplish crossfunctional launch projects, provide project cost and timing estimates, and support program timing.

• Implement common welding systems, specifications, and standards at launch sites, ensuring consistent application of GM Defense welding requirements.

• Read and understand CAD drawings, welding symbols, mechanical layouts, wiring/hosing diagrams, and product designs specific to armored vehicle structures.

• Provide technical direction to suppliers and plant teams regarding weld verification steps, acceptance criteria, and rework/repair standards for armor welds.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Welding, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent years of welding experience in complex metals, armor, etc.

• 5 or more years of experience in manufacturing/welding engineering, with significant exposure to body or heavystructure launch activities.

• Good understanding of MIG welding and resistance welding requirements for structural and safetycritical joints.

• Experience with weld verification procedures, weld documentation, and build shop support (e.g., weld maps, torque/weld logs, traceability).

• Knowledge of robotic MIG welding systems and resistance welding systems; ability to interface with weld controllers, robots, and data systems during launch.

• Body shop or heavy fabrication launch and plant experience, including support of rampup, issue resolution, and process stabilization.

• Knowledge of tooling and equipment troubleshooting, particularly fixturing, gun alignment, tip wear, and weld access issues.

• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems used in joining processes (weld controllers, guns, servos, robots, riveters or mechanical fasteners if used).

• High level of practical problem solving, using structured methods and data to drive root cause and corrective action.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively crossfunctionally, crossculturally, and with external defense customers/partners.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation, launch reports, and training materials.

• Ability to create and execute wellorganized validation and launch plans where standardized work is still being refined.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple launch activities in parallel.

• Proficiency with standard computer programs (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).

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Knowledge of drawn arc and projection welding, and mechanical joining methods (e.g., flow drill screws, selfpierce rivets) as applied to armored or mixedmaterial structures.

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

• Knowledge of GM Welding & Joining Standards and structured launch processes OR similar structured processes in defense/heavy industries.

• Experience with defense, armored vehicle, or missioncritical applications where welding quality and traceability are tightly controlled.

• Familiarity with military and customer standards that govern welding, inspection, and acceptance criteria for armored structures.

General:

• Primary work location: GM Global Technical Center (Warren, MI) with time spent at other GM Defense-designated engineering sites as needed

• Domestic Travel required, especially during execution and launch phases of programs, to plants, suppliers, and test sites.

• Available Overtime and work schedule will vary based on launch timing, test events, and program needs, consistent with GM Defense and departmental policies.

#GMD

#LI-LP2

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 is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. 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

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

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.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.