Interior Comfort Thermal CAE/CFD Engineer

Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role:

The Interior Comfort CAE/CFD Engineer will build, run, and interpret results from various thermal EHT models ranging in complexity from a single component to complex full vehicle systems.

Hybrid Work Position: This position does not require an employee to be on-site full-time to perform most effectively, however, would be expected to adhere to GM's return to office policies which includes core in-office workdays Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. As such the position requires an employee to be onsite an average of 3 days each week.

The Interior Comfort CAE/CFD Engineer will build, run, and interpret results from various thermal EHT models ranging in complexity from a single component to complex full vehicle systems.

The engineer will join a multi-disciplined team of engineers who perform airflow and thermal simulations of varying complexity to drive the design of vehicles. These would include air flow and thermal management around the vehicle, and specifically in the passenger compartment.

What You'll Do

Cabin Comfort Simulation & Analysis

• Evaluate interior vehicle design for passenger comfort using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Conduct vehicle-level CFD simulations to optimize cabin thermal management.
• Assess cabin environment for equivalent homogeneous temperature (EHT) performance using 1D and 3D simulation tools.

• Develop and support 1D cabin models for integration into full vehicle thermal plants.
• Proactively build simulation models for new vehicle programs based on content and functional objectives.

• Collaborate with Calibration teams to advance virtual calibration methods.
• Execute vehicle-level CFD simulations to support virtual calibration.

• Post-process and interpret simulation results to assess current performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Clearly communicate findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams.

• Regularly utilize commercial CFD and 1D solvers in Windows, Linux/UNIX, and High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
• Tools may include ANSA, STAR-CCM+, GT-Power, MATLAB Simulink, and internal GM codes.

• Take ownership of virtual performance by engaging with the broader thermal integration team across VDDV and vehicle development.
• Lead by example in cross-team collaboration and technical leadership.

• Autonomously identify opportunities to enhance simulation processes using state-of-the-art techniques.
• Apply innovative methods to solve complex, non-standard problems and propose alternative approaches.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with coursework in Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Fluid Mechanics.
• 7+ years of professional experience in the automotive industry, with a focus on thermal systems or cabin comfort.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience using commercial CFD solvers such as STAR-CCM+ or equivalent tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and drive technical solutions.
• Solid foundation in CFD and thermal fluids methodologies, supported by academic and/or professional experience.
• Familiarity with Climatic Wind Tunnel testing, including instrumentation, measurement techniques, and data acquisition systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), with the ability to create clear and impactful technical documentation and presentations.

• Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of professional experience in the automotive industry, with a focus on thermal systems or cabin comfort.
• 6+ years of experience using commercial CFD tools such as STAR-CCM+ or equivalent.
• Willingness to provide strategic perspective
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools including Teamcenter, VisMockup, or Unigraphics (NX).
• Experience with scripting languages and automation techniques to streamline simulation workflows.
• Demonstrated success integrating Machine Learning (ML) or Artificial Intelligence (AI) into engineering processes.
• Expertise in modeling, simulation, and validation of open- and closed-loop systems in desktop and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments.
• Hands-on experience with commercial 1D solvers such as MATLAB Simulink, GT-Power, or TAI-Therm.
• Ability to adapt system models (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) for real-time execution in Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) environments.
• Background in design and release of automotive thermal systems.
• Formal training in Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), with Green Belt or Black Belt certification.