Electric Drive & Transmission Systems Development Engineer

generalmotors; Pontiac (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors seeks an Electric Drive & Transmission Systems Development Engineer to plan and execute subsystem testing, analyze data, and develop calibrations. The role emphasizes transitioning to model-based development with automation and cross-functional collaboration.

You'll work on electric drive systems, motor theory, power electronics, and transmission architectures, traveling less than 15% for offsite testing and vehicle development. Bachelor’s in engineering required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with electric traction motors, drive units, power electronics, or transmissions.
• Ability to work in fast-paced engineering environments and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and optimize subsystem-level testing for electric drive and transmission systems.
• Develop test procedures, calibrations, and data analysis workflows.
• Lead root-cause analysis and troubleshoot issues in test setups and Runbooks.
• Collaborate with PDTs and cross-functional teams to improve test methods.
• Develop automated data analysis and post-processing tools for quality data and calibrations.

Skills

Electric drive systems

Power electronics

Model-based development

Data analytics

Test automation

Calibration development

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

AVL PUMA

IndiCom

CAMEO

ETAS INCA

MDA

Job description

Job Description

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Electric Drive & Transmission Systems Development Engineer to plan, develop, and execute subsystem-level testing within a world-class engineering development and validation environment. This role is responsible for supporting electric drive and transmission system development through test execution, data analysis, calibration development, and identification of opportunities to improve testing efficiency through automation and data reduction. The successful candidate will also contribute to the transition from traditional lab-based testing to virtual, model-based development approaches. This position requires strong technical acumen, creativity, initiative, and independent judgment, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support development test units throughout the build process, including test setup, troubleshooting, and validation to ensure test readiness.
• Monitor, track, and communicate testing progress, results, risks, and issue resolution status to key stakeholders.
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve first-time-capable test procedures supporting calibration, validation, and hardware development activities.
• Lead the diagnosis, root cause investigation, and resolution of issues identified during test setup and execution.
• Actively participate in Product Development Teams (PDTs), collaborating with Technical Experts and cross-functional teams to enhance existing test methods and develop new testing capabilities.
• Develop and utilize automated data analysis and post-processing tools to ensure data quality, improve efficiency, and support generation of calibrations, engineering recommendations, and technical reports.
• Create, standardize, and implement global test procedures, best practices, and standard work processes.
• Collaborate with facilities, technical leads, calibration engineers, hardware release engineers, and other stakeholders to improve testing effectiveness, process efficiency, and product quality.
• Support virtual development activities through physics-based modeling, correlation studies, and data analytics initiatives that enable the transition from traditional physical testing to model-based engineering approaches.
• Mentor, train, and support the development of new engineers, fostering technical growth and knowledge sharing across the team.

Required Skills and Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in electric traction motors, drive units, power electronics, transmissions, controls, calibration, or hardware development.
• Strong understanding of electric machine theory and operation, drive unit architectures, power electronics, and transmission systems.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, technically challenging environment.
• Strong planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve technical issues effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams, build strong peer relationships, and work independently when required.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple assignments, manage resources effectively, and execute with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in computer applications, data acquisition systems, and engineering analysis tools.
• Experience applying first-principles engineering analysis, physics-based problem solving, and/or data analytics techniques.
• Ability to travel as required to support offsite testing and vehicle development activities (less than 15%).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with industry-standard propulsion development and calibration tools, including AVL PUMA, IndiCom, CAMEO, ETAS INCA, and MDA.
• Experience supporting electric propulsion system development, validation, calibration, or testing in laboratories, vehicles, or virtual development environments.
• Knowledge of data analysis, test automation, and model-based development methodologies.
• Experience with root cause analysis, data-driven problem solving, and engineering decision-making.
• Familiarity with electric drive systems, electric motors, power electronics, transmissions, and propulsion control systems.

Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.

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}. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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

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