Department Manager Software Engineering in Tipton

Location: Sterling Heights, MI, United States

Date Posted: Mar 30, 2026

Category: Engineering

Requisition ID: 14592

Career Level: Senior

Remote Work Options: On-Site

Clearance Type: Ability to obtain security clearance

About the Role

This role is responsible for leading and managing the activities of the Software Engineering organization within GDLS. You will be joining a dynamic group of engineers responsible for providing technical oversight for a family of ground vehicles. The candidate will actively manage manpower planning, program execution, talent acquisition, performance evaluations, budget along with guidance in technical areas and help mentor staff.

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. Due to the nature of the work, this role may require on-site presence up to 100% at times.

What We Offer

• 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 (This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. 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 with new equipment
• Fitness Center, and Outdoor fitness track

Responsibilities to Anticipate/Expect

• This position will provide leadership and guidance to the Software Engineering organization. This will include manpower planning, hiring, performance evaluations and other personnel related actions.
• Will provide technical direction required to develop and deliver innovative software solutions with high quality.
• Will be responsible for managing department budgets and schedules ensuring work is performed on time and within the allocated budget.
• Coordinates and assigns personnel to tasks within each software area that will meet or exceed program objectives.
• Identifies and forecasts manpower needs, and any training requirements thus making sure staffing requirements are met and takes appropriate steps when needed.
• Supports Program Leads in achieving team commitments regarding software development and commitment timelines.
• Develops and tracks department metrics, 3 to 5-year plan, analysis gap assessments and creates action plans to rectify any gaps.
• Develops high-quality, cost-effective planning and proposal BOE’s (Basis of Estimate).
• Helps maintain the company’s ISO certification by assisting in developing department procedures and measures to ensure compliance with all appropriate SP’s (Standard Practices), etc.
• Promotes teamwork that is inclusive, collaborative and diverse.
• Creates an environment that is centered on product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Conducts and attends staff meetings, monitors labor reports, prepares status reports, presentations as needed.
• Maintains and updates processes to reflect improvements and streamlining that will demonstrate department effectivity and efficiency.
• Address personnel issues as required in accordance with the GDLS Code of Ethics Handbook.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications / What you must have

• Bachelors in an Engineering discipline, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related is preferred. In lieu of BS degree candidate will need 15 plus years of Industry experience, 5 of which need to be in a leadership role.
• Minimum of 10 plus years proven work experience with software.
• 5 plus years of management/leadership experience is desired.
• Demonstrated experience with EVMS (Earned Value Measurement Systems) preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications (Expert Level Preferred).
• Ability to travel up to 20% when required.
• Knowledge and experience of ISO 9001, ISO 14002/OHSAS 18001 and military standards desired.
• Prior experience with ground-based Vehicle Systems preferred.

Additional Information

This position will require eligibility to obtain a US security clearance. (Non-US Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance) No sponsorship offered. The candidate will need to have strong written and oral communication skills. Able to work overtime when required. Able to bring continuous improvement processes and methodologies to the position.

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.

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 [emailprotected] for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.