CFD Engineer (CAE) – Propulsion and Battery Systems

RiseMe; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a CFD Engineer – Propulsion and Battery Systems to lead DFMEA-driven 3D CFD analyses across cell, module, pack, and system levels, optimizing thermal performance and reliability for propulsion systems including battery and power electronics.

You will work in a hybrid environment, collaborating with design and test teams to translate analysis plans into robust mitigation strategies, and to communicate findings through reviews and reports.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in propulsion-related simulation, design, or testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform DFMEA-aligned 3D CFD analyses for high‑voltage battery systems and power electronics at cell, module, pack, and system levels.

Skills

CFD analysis

3D CFD software

heat transfer

propulsion systems knowledge

engineering fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

STAR-CCM+

Simerics-MP+

Fluent

Job description

Job Description

Role

As a CFD Engineer – Propulsion and Battery Systems, you will lead DFMEA-driven 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis at the component, subsystem, and system level to optimize thermal performance and system reliability across GM propulsion systems. Operating within a DFMEA-centric environment, you will use virtual engineering to identify failure modes, evaluate severity/occurrence risks, and drive robust risk mitigation strategies for propulsion systems, specifically battery and power electronics thermal performance, durability and safety requirements.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid work position: This position does not require an employee to be on-site full-time to perform most effectively. The employee’s role enables them to work at a GM facility or off-site as frequently as needed or desired.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform DFMEA-aligned 3D CFD analysis focusing on high-voltage battery systems and power electronics to identify and mitigate critical thermal failure modes at the cell, module, pack, and system level.
• Simulate and quantify battery Thermal Runaway Propagation (TRP), venting gas dynamics, and safety physics under severe abuse scenarios to validate DFMEA mitigation designs, barrier integrity, and failure containment controls.
• Lead thermal risk assessments during early architecture definition and concept selection using rapid CFD trade studies to eliminate high-risk failure modes prior to design freeze.
• Correlate virtual failure mode predictions with physical test and validation data to ensure simulation fidelity in predicting real-world failure thresholds and reliability margins.
• Clearly and effectively communicate analysis plans, assumptions, and results to internal and external stakeholders using presentations, reports, and design reviews.
• Meet or exceed timing, quality, and cost targets within structured product development processes.
• Participate in and/or lead benchmarking and advanced methods activities to continuously improve GM’s virtual engineering capabilities in CFD and multi-physics analysis.

Required Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of experience with simulation, design, testing, or release of propulsion-related systems (e.g., engines, transmissions, e-drive units, batteries, power electronics, thermal management systems).
• Hands-on experience with at least one commercial 3D CFD software package (e.g., STAR-CCM+, Simerics-MP+, Fluent, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated understanding of heat transfer and fluid mechanics (conduction, convection, radiation, pressure loss, turbulence, etc.) applied to real engineering systems.
• Familiarity or practical experience with vehicle propulsion system design, operation, or testing.
• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or closely related field) required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of advanced experience with 3D CFD thermal and fluid analysis specialized for battery pack and module systems.
• Experience in modeling battery Thermal Runaway Propagation (TRP) and gas venting dynamics under severe thermal abuse and cell failure conditions.
• Experience with electro-thermal multi-physics coupling, integrating electrochemical heat generation models with 3D CFD for cell characterization, module, and pack simulations.
• Expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Reduced Order Modeling (ROM) for rapid thermal prediction, digital twins, and real-time CFD surrogate modeling.

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.

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.

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, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. 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.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.