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.

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, MI three (3) times per week, at minimum.

The Role

The Interior Comfort CAE/CFD Engineer builds, executes, and interprets thermal and airflow simulations, from single components to full-vehicle systems. You will be part of a multi-discipline team responsible for predicting and improving cabin comfort and thermal performance using 1D and 3D CAE tools.

This role is well-suited for engineers with strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics who are eager to apply their skills to automotive applications, including those transitioning from adjacent industries such as aerospace, HVAC, energy, rail, or heavy equipment.

What You'll Do

Cabin Comfort Simulation & Analysis

• Evaluate interior vehicle design for passenger comfort using CFD.
• Run vehicle-level simulations to optimize cabin airflow and thermal management.
• Assess cabin environment for Equivalent Homogeneous Temperature (EHT) performance using 1D and 3D tools.

• Apply established methods to support 1D cabin model development and integration into full-vehicle thermal plants.
• Build simulation models for new vehicle programs aligned with vehicle content and performance targets.

• Partner with Calibration teams to advance virtual calibration methods.
• Execute CFD simulations that support calibration activities for cabin comfort.

• Post-process simulation results to evaluate system performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Summarize findings and recommendations in clear written and verbal communication for cross-functional teams.

• Use commercial CFD and 1D solvers in Windows, Linux/UNIX, and HPC environments.
• Typical tools include ANSA, STAR-CCM+, GT-Power, MATLAB/Simulink, and internal GM codes.

• With general supervision, participate in virtual performance discussions within the broader thermal integration community across VDDV and vehicle development.
• Demonstrate ownership, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within the immediate work group.

• Identify process improvement opportunities and share recommendations with leadership.
• Contribute to the advancement of simulation techniques, including automation and AI/ML-enabled workflows.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in fluid/thermal analysis or a related field ; automotive experience preferred but not required.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with commercial CFD tools such as STAR-CCM+ or equivalent.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under general guidance and deliver technical solutions.
• Foundational understanding of CFD and thermal-fluid methodologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and demonstrated ability to create clear technical documentation and presentations.

• Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in thermal systems, CFD, or cabin comfort; automotive/mobility experience strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of experience with commercial CFD tools such as STAR-CCM+ or equivalent.
• Experience with Climatic Wind Tunnel testing, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as Teamcenter, VisMockup, or Unigraphics (NX).
• Foundational skills in scripting and workflow automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Knowledge of AI/ML integration into engineering workflows.
• Experience modeling or validating open- or closed-loop systems in desktop or HIL environments.
• Understanding of 1D tools such as GT-Power.
• Exposure to MiL/SiL environments.
• Background in design/release of automotive thermal systems.
• DFSS Green Belt or Black Belt certification.