Advance Cell Engineer

General Motors; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking an Advanced Battery Cell Design Engineer to develop next-generation lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells for our electrified vehicle portfolio. You will collaborate across Advanced Cell Technology, R&D, Purchasing, and manufacturing to drive innovation, cost efficiency, and scalability.

The role requires strong technical knowledge in battery tech, mechanical/thermal systems, and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges.

Qualifications

• The candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 6+ years of relevant experience in product development, design release, and cross-functional project work.
• Strong knowledge of Lithium-ion and Sodium-ion battery technologies, energy storage, and automotive electrification.
• Experience with requirements flow, statistics, and mechanical CAE tools is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and layout of lithium-ion and sodium-ion cell components including cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes.
• Develop and optimize cell performance requirements for electrical, thermal, and mechanical aspects.
• Manage Pre-A and A sample development, testing, and validation.
• Apply DFSS, robust design, and reliability principles throughout development.
• Collaborate with multiple GM teams and external partners to meet deliverables.
• Use data, simulations, and analysis tools for design and performance assessments.

Skills

Battery design

DFSS

CAx tools

Project management

Statistical methods

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Matlab/Simulink

Python

FEM/FEA

Job 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 Advanced Battery Cell Design Engineer plays a critical role in developing next-generation lithium-ion battery cells for GM’s electrified vehicle portfolio. This position involves cross-functional collaboration with teams in Advanced Cell Technology, R&D, Purchasing, Cell Prototyping, Commercialization, and Legal to drive innovation, performance, cost efficiency, and scalability.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in lithium-ion battery technology, mechanical and thermal systems, and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges. This role directly contributes to GM’s vision of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design and layout of lithium-ion and Sodium ion battery cell components including cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes.
• Develop and optimize cell performance requirements for cells, focusing on electrical, thermal, and mechanical aspects.
• Manage Pre-A and A sample development, testing, and validation.
• Apply Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), robust design, reliability, and optimization principles throughout the development lifecycle.
• Stay engaged with advanced technologies for next-gen materials and recommend new cell designs and market opportunities.
• Lead or support testing and analysis of cell components to identify design improvements.
• Use empirical data, virtual simulations, and analytical tools (e.g., Finite Element Analysis, machine learning, statistics) for design and performance assessments.
• Collaborate with computational chemistry and manufacturing experts to apply math-based tools for design and cost sensitivity.
• Collaborate with system engineering to ensure cell-to-pack integration and compliance with internal and supplier requirements.
• Define, allocate, and optimize system and component-level requirements using physical and virtual data.
• Coordinate across internal GM departments and external partners to meet project deliverables.
• Lead internal reviews, risk management planning, and cost innovation strategies.
• Maintain a robust safety culture and ensure lessons learned are documented and shared.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Electrochemical, Materials or related fields)
• 6+ years of relevant engineering experience (product development, design release, project management, supplier collaboration)
• Strong knowledge of Lithium-ion and Sodium ion battery technologies (cells, modules, packs, materials, chemistry)
• Familiarity with energy storage systems and vehicle electrification
• Knowledge of material characterization techniques
• Experience with requirements flow and development
• Familiarity with statistical tools and process control methods
• Experience with mechanical CAE tools and CAD manipulation
• Proven project management skills with autonomy and accountability
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and cross-functional teams
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience writing technical documents (SODW, SOR, proposals, executive summaries)
• Proficiency in chemical handling and safe lab practices
• Understanding of industrial workplace hazards and safety programs

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Masters or PhD in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Electrochemical, Materials, or related field)
• Experience with battery cell mechanical testing and validation
• Proficiency in engineering tools such as Matlab, Simulink, Python
• Knowledge of cell manufacturing processes and industrial chemical processing
• Understanding of major automotive subsystems and electric vehicle standards
• Experience with thermal analytical tools, CFD, and FEA
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to resolve cross-functional conflicts
• Experience working directly with battery supply base
• Strong cell quality, manufacturing, and product assurance planning skills