Virtual Propulsion Engineer- Electric Drive Thermal

Description

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Pontiac, Michigan three times per week, at minimum.

The Role

In this role you'll contribute to GM's vision of a Zero Emission future by supporting the thermal performance and integration of electric drive systems. In this role, you'll work with key components such as motors, inverters, and high-voltage connection systems to ensure optimal thermal behavior and system-level efficiency.

You'll be responsible for developing accurate 1-D thermal models of electric drive components, integrating those models into broader system simulations, and creating software calibrations that enable seamless incorporation of thermal models into vehicle control systems across GM's electric vehicle portfolio.
This position plays a vital role in advancing the performance, reliability, and efficiency of GM's next-generation electric vehicles.

What You'll Do

• Develop and release 1D electric drive component thermal models
• Perform thermal simulations of electric drives to determine thermal capability against component requirements and to support early architecture decisions
• Represent electric drive component thermal analysis in larger system level thermal design activities
• Verify model predictions against test data and continuously improve modeling capabilities through model correlation activities
• Work with CAE teams to perform advanced thermal and flow simulations to ensure 1-D models are aligned with higher fidelity CAE models in areas of critical interest
• Calibrate motor and inverter temperature estimation algorithms for use in vehicle control software utilizing component, subsystem, and vehicle level test data as well as analytical tools
• Review and support both vehicle and component level testing
• Compile and present simulation results to internal customers
• Stay abreast of new technologies and competitive methods and products
• Travel as required (less than 10%), both domestic and international

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• BS in mechanical or electrical engineering or equivalent field
• 3+ years of relevant work experience
• Extensive knowledge in heat transfer and fluid mechanics principles
• Strong experience with 1D thermal model development and simulation activities (e.g. GT thermal)
• Experience with thermal testing/validation
• Knowledge of electric motor and/or inverter design
• Experience with Matlab, Simulink
• Interpersonal skills to work cross functionally with multiple teams to drive work forward
• Ability to create and present information to leadership, peers, customers and suppliers in a clear and concise manner
• Fluency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Ph.D. or MS in mechanical or electrical engineering or equivalent field
• 5+ years of relevant work experience
• Experience with modeling electric machine or inverter thermal performance
• Experience with automotive cooling system design
• Experience with automotive electric drives
• Experience with commercial CAE software for heat transfer and flow simulations (StarCCM, Fluent, ect...)
• Experience with vehicle data acquisition systems (INCA, ect...)
• Experience developing software calibrations

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

Additional Description

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.

Total Rewards | 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 [email protected] or call us at 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.

Client-provided location(s): Pontiac, MI

Job ID: General_Motors-JR-202514677

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2025-08-27T00:12:14