Automotive Thermal Systems Research Scientist

generalmotors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Job summary

General Motors in Michigan is seeking a recent PhD graduate with 1–3 years of experience for a hands-on, individual-contributor role in vehicle thermal systems research. You will generate innovative ideas, develop technical plans, conduct experiments, and document results to advance GM's core thermal and propulsion cooling technologies.

This hybrid position requires strong skills in heat transfer, CFD, data acquisition, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• New PhD grad with 1–3 years work experience in research or development.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, refrigeration systems.
• Experience with thermal/fluids measurement instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Familiarity with vehicle thermal loops and propulsion components cooling.
• Proficiency with CFD tools and 1D system modeling.
• Knowledge of AI/ML basics and physics-based modeling approaches.
• Ability to collaborate across diverse teams and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Generate innovative ideas, suggest new project areas, and establish technical plans.
• Conduct research/experiments; collect data and validate ideas.
• Publish high-quality research reports and records of invention.
• Maintain knowledge of industry developments to grow core skills.
• Represent GM to external technical and business communities.
• Participate in technical discussions and reviews as an expert.
• Grow and diversify personal skills and competency base.

Skills

Heat transfer

Fluid dynamics

Thermal systems

Propulsion cooling

CFD tools

StarCCM+

PowerFlow

Fluent

1D system modeling

AI/ML basics

Physics-based modeling

Model-based optimization

Data acquisition

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in science/engineering

Tools

StarCCM+

PowerFlow

Fluent

GT‑ISE

Job description

General Motors in Michigan is seeking a recent PhD graduate with 1–3 years of experience for a hands-on, individual-contributor role in vehicle thermal systems research. You will generate innovative ideas, develop technical plans, conduct experiments, and document results to advance GM's core thermal and propulsion cooling technologies.

This hybrid position requires strong skills in heat transfer, CFD, data acquisition, and cross-functional collaboration.