ES Battery Cell Engineer

Motorsport Network, LLC; Concord, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

401(k) plan including company match

Life insurance

Disability coverage

32 days annual leave

Financial advisor access

EAP

On-site dining

On-site gym

GM vehicle discount

EV charging on-site

Job summary

GM Performance Power Units in Concord, NC seeks an ES Battery Cell Engineer to drive development of high-power energy storage solutions for Formula 1. You will lead the design, validation, and optimization of next-generation lithium-ion cells, delivering cell designs capable of sustained extreme power output, rapid charge/discharge transients, and controlled degradation over race-critical lifecycles.

Based in Concord, you will lead end-to-end cell development, model performance, and plan

Qualifications

• Proven experience in lithium-ion cell design or advanced cell testing, preferably in high-power automotive applications.
• Deep understanding of electrochemistry, cell physics, and degradation under high C-rate and thermal stress.
• Experience with cell modeling tools (MATLAB, Python, PyBaMM) and test data 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 engineering environments with tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Define cell-level requirements (power density, pulse capability, thermal limits) aligned to F1 ERS duty cycles.
• Lead end-to-end cell development from concept through validation, including format selection.
• Own cell performance modeling and correlation (electrochemical + thermal) with test data.
• Plan and execute validation campaigns under representative race conditions.
• 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.
• Develop and refine test methods, instrumentation, and data pipelines for characterization.
• Scout and mature next-gen chemistries with pathways to F1 deployment.

Skills

Lithium-ion design

High-power cell physics

Cell modeling (MATLAB, Python)

DoE & data analysis

Cell testing & diagnostics

Supplier engagement

Safety standards & abuse testing

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. You will lead the design, validation, and optimization of next-generation lithium-ion cells, pushing the limits of power density and durability under aggressive F1 energy deployment and recover 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.

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:

• 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

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.

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.