ES Battery Cell Engineer

GM Performance Power Units; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

401(k) plan with company match

Life insurance

Disability coverage

32 days annual leave

On-site gym

EV charging on-site

GM vehicle purchase program

Job summary

GM Performance Power Units in Concord, NC is seeking an ES Battery Cell Engineer to drive the development of high‑power energy storage solutions for Formula 1. Based in Concord, this role delivers cell designs capable of extreme power output, rapid transients, and controlled degradation across race lifecycles.

The engineer will lead design, validation, and optimization of next‑generation lithium‑ion cells, perform modeling and testing, and coordinate with suppliers to accelerate program

Qualifications

• Proven experience in lithium‑ion cell design or high‑power testing.
• Deep understanding of electrochemistry, cell physics, and degradation under high C‑rate and thermal stress.
• Experience with cell modeling tools (MATLAB, Python) and test correlation.
• Strong background in experimental design (DoE), statistics, and data analysis.
• Hands‑on expertise with cell test equipment and diagnostics.
• Experience working with external cell suppliers and delivering technical deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Define cell‑level requirements (power density, pulse capability, thermal limits, aging, safety) aligned to F1 duty cycles.
• Lead end‑to‑end cell development from concept through validation, including electrode design trade‑offs.
• Own cell performance modeling and correlation (electrochemical + thermal).
• Plan and execute validation campaigns under race conditions (high C‑rate, thermal transients).
• Drive supplier technical direction and manage design iterations and industrialization readiness.
• Conduct hands‑on testing: build, teardown, post‑mortem analysis, diagnostics (HPPC, fast pulse).
• Analyze degradation mechanisms and lifetime under F1 duty profiles; create damage models.
• Lead DFMEA/PFMEA and safety assessments for high‑power systems.

Skills

Lithium-ion cell design

Cell modeling

MATLAB

Python

DoE

Data analysis

Test equipment

Tools

MATLAB

Python

PyBaMM

Job description

GM Performance Power Units - Concord, NC, ES Battery Cell Engineer - Onsite

Job Summary

GM Performance Power Units (GM PPU) is seeking an ES Battery Cell Engineer to drive the development of high‑power energy storage solutions for Formula 1. Based in Concord, NC, this role is central to delivering cell designs capable of sustained extreme power output, rapid charge/discharge transients, and controlled degradation over race‑critical lifecycles. The engineer will lead the design, validation, and optimization of next‑generation lithium‑ion cells, pushing power density and durability under aggressive F1 energy deployment and recovery duty cycles and thermal constraints.

Key Responsibilities

• Define cell‑level requirements (power density, pulse capability, thermal limits, aging, safety) aligned to F1 ERS duty cycles and FIA regulations.
• Lead end‑to‑end cell development from concept through validation, including electrode design trade‑offs, format selection, and manufacturability considerations.
• Own cell performance modeling and correlation (electrochemical + thermal), linking test data to system‑level ERS performance.
• Plan and execute validation campaigns under representative race conditions (high C‑rate, aggressive cycling, thermal transients).
• Drive supplier technical direction and accountability; manage cell design iterations, DVPs, and industrialization readiness.
• Conduct hands‑on testing: build, teardown, post‑mortem analysis, and advanced diagnostics (HPPC, fast pulse characterization).
• Analyze degradation mechanisms and lifetime under F1 duty profiles; create damage models and define mitigation strategies.
• Lead DFMEA/PFMEA and safety assessments with focus on high‑power failure modes and containment strategies.
• Develop and refine test methods, instrumentation, and data pipelines for high‑fidelity characterization.
• Scout and mature next‑gen chemistries and materials with clear pathways to F1 deployment.
• Generate technical reports, design reviews, and decision frameworks for rapid program execution.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in lithium‑ion cell design or advanced cell testing, preferably in high‑power or motorsport/high‑performance automotive applications.
• Deep understanding of electrochemistry, cell physics, and degradation under high C‑rate and thermal stress.
• Experience with cell modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, PyBaMM) and test correlation.
• Strong background in experimental design (DoE), statistics, and data analysis.
• Hands‑on expertise with cell test equipment and diagnostics.
• Experience working with external cell suppliers and driving technical deliverables.
• Familiarity with safety standards, abuse testing, and failure analysis.
• Ability to operate in fast‑paced, high‑performance engineering environments with tight timelines.

Personal Attributes

• Bias for action and ownership in high‑pressure, time‑critical programs.
• Clear communicator who can translate cell behavior into system‑level impact.
• Curious, data‑driven, and willing to challenge assumptions.
• Collaborative mindset with the confidence to push suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Benefits

• Bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• 401(k) plan including company match
• Employer‑paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 32 days annual leave (including holidays)
• Free financial advisor access
• 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

Why Join Us

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.

Please note: GM Performance Power Units and all affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity employer(s). Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf. Only direct hires need apply to or inquire about job postings at GM Performance Power Units. We are not accepting calls, resumes or applications from recruiting firms at this time.