Battery Controls Engineer

GMPPU; Concord, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Life insurance and disability coverage

32 days annual leave

On-site gym

On-site dining

GM vehicle purchase/lease program

EV charging on-site

Job summary

GM Performance Power Units in Concord, NC seeks a Battery Controls Engineer to develop and optimize embedded software for the ERS team. You will implement real-time control algorithms for battery protection, state of charge, and health, collaborating with cross-functional teams to manage energy delivery and calibration.

Preferred candidates have strong C/C++, RTOS experience, and exposure to high-voltage battery systems in a motorsport context.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, or related discipline; OR
• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of embedded software development experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain embedded software for HV battery management system and related components using C/C++.
• Implement sensor data acquisition, hardware abstraction layers, real-time communication, and diagnostics features.
• Collaborate with controls and electrical hardware teams to ensure cohesive system operation.
• Conduct MiL/SiL/HiL testing, trackside testing support, and robust validation activities.
• Create requirements and unit tests to maintain clean, scalable code bases.
• Adhere to software quality, safety, and regulatory standards for high-performance motorsport applications.
• Maintain technical documentation and contribute to continuous improvement of embedded software development processes.

Skills

Embedded C

RTOS

CAN/CAN FD

Multithreading

Control theory

Team collaboration

Sensor data & diagnostics

Education

Master’s/PhD in Electrical Eng. / CS / Embedded Systems

Bachelors + 5+ years embedded software

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Git

Job description

GM Performance Power Units - Concord, NC

GM Performance Power Units is looking for a forward-thinking Battery Controls Engineer to join our ERS (Energy Recovery System) Team in Concord, NC. In this high-stakes, high-impact role, you’ll develop and optimize robust embedded controls software for our Formula 1 hybrid powertrain.

Implement cutting-edge real-time control algorithms for battery protection, state of charge, and state of health. While utilizing sensors and communication protocols and system diagnostics, supporting the overall ERS hardware and software ecosystem. Collaborate with control strategy teams managing torque and energy delivery and harvest to push the boundaries and engineer winning solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain embedded software in C, C++, and relevant real-time programming languages for the HV battery management system, cells, and associated components.
• Implement sensor data acquisition, hardware abstraction layers, real-time communication, and diagnostics features.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in controls , and electrical hardware to ensure cohesive system operation.
• Conduct software debugging, verification, and validation including model-in-the-loop (MiL), software-in-the-loop (SiL), hardware-in-the-loop (HiL), and trackside testing support.
• Create proper requirements and unit tests to form robust, clean, scalable code bases.
• Adhere to software quality, safety, and regulatory standards for high-performance motorsport applications.
• Maintain technical documentation and contribute to continuous improvement processes in embedded software development.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, or related discipline; OR
• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in embedded software development, preferably in automotive or motorsport sectors.
• Expertise in battery management systems and battery control algorithms, such as protection/derating, state of charge, and state of health.
• Familiarity with cell and HV battery physics and operation.
• Understanding high voltage bus networks, including contactors, fuses, and high voltage interlock loops.
• Strong proficiency in embedded C programming and real-time operating systems, including ability to work with both handwritten and auto generated code.
• Experience with multithreaded processes/multi-rate control systems.
• Experience in communication protocols such as CAN, CAN FD, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Familiarity with software development tools, debugging environments, and version control systems.
• Understanding of control theory (digital control loops and practical implementation issues) for electronic systems.
• Knowledge of embedded hardware interfaces, sensors, and microcontroller architecture.
• First principles thinking, strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and collaboration abilities.
• Proactive attitude toward continuous learning and innovation in embedded systems development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and FIA F1 technical regulations is advantageous.
• Machine Learning/neural networks especially in the context of battery control systems.
• Embedded on chip machine learning.
• Knowledge of scripting languages (Python, MATLAB) for testing and automation.
• Prior experience with software-in-the-loop (SiL) or hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing and software validation frameworks.
• Experience in Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU) development and co-simulation techniques.
• Familiarity with TAG-700 ECU.

Why Join Us

Ready to be part of a team that pushes boundaries both on and off the track? At GM Performance Power Units, we are developing a new era of performance for the Formula 1 grid. Joining us means entering a startup racing environment backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, giving you the rare opportunity to help build a world-class program from day one. We believe in rewarding innovation and powering potential. As part of our team, you’ll benefit from a competitive and comprehensive package designed to support your performance, well-being, and future, helping you thrive at every level.

That includes access to:

• 401(k) plan including company match
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 32 days annual leave (including holidays)
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Subsidized on-site dining
• On-site gym
• Discounted GM vehicle purchase/lease program
• Free on-site EV charging for personal GM vehicles

It’s all part of our commitment to creating a workplace that’s as high-performing and forward-thinking as the people who make it succeed.

Join us and help power what’s next.

You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and performance of a next-generation Formula 1 power unit. Our culture rewards precision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance.