F1 Propulsion 1D Simulation Engineer

GM Performance Power Units; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

401(k) plan with company match

On-site gym

Free on-site EV charging

Job summary

GM Performance Power Units seeks an expert in engine simulation to develop and maintain physics-based 1D models of combustion engines using GT SUITE/GT Power. You’ll manage multiple projects, correlate models to test data, and provide data-driven recommendations for hardware design and calibration development.

Responsibilities include DOE studies, translating CFD insights to 1D representations, and delivering clear technical reports across hardware testing, calibration, and vehicle integration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of propulsion simulation or engine performance analysis.
• Strong understanding of combustion engines, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Experience building, correlating, and evaluating 1D models for hardware development.
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing and data analysis.
• Proficiency with Python for post processing, automation, and reporting.
• Excellent communication skills for presentations to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 1D engine and propulsion models in GT Power with complete intake and exhaust systems.
• Correlate models to test data for torque, power, temperatures, and pressures; document assumptions.
• Simulate full-load and part-load maps to support performance, drivability, and thermal assessments.
• Conduct DOE and optimization studies within GT Suite to explore design and calibration spaces.
• Translate 3D CFD/test insights into 1D model representations and discretization strategies.
• Develop and improve standard methods and templates for GT Power model setup and coupled analyses.
• Process large model and lab data sets into standardized formats for post processing and reporting.
• Provide design and calibration recommendations based on model results and sensitivity analysis.
• Communicate results through technical reports, presentations, and design reviews.

Skills

GT Power

GT SUITE

1D engine simulation

Python

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or Automotive/Aerospace)

Master’s or PhD in Mechanical/Automotive/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

STAR CCM+

CONVERGE

Job description

Job Summary

The GM Performance Power Units team is seeking an expert in engine simulation that is responsible for developing and maintaining physics based, 1D simulation models of combustion engines using GT SUITE / GT Power. These models are used to predict performance, fuel consumption, heat rejection, and system interactions during the development process. Specific functions include model building, correlation and evaluation. You will manage multiple projects and provide technical insight into problem solving, leveraging the model results to provide clear, data driven recommendations for hardware design and calibration development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 1D engine and propulsion models in GT Power including complete intake and exhaust systems.
• Correlate models to test data (dyno/rig/vehicle) for torque, power, air mass, BSFC, temperatures, and pressures; document correlation quality and underlying assumptions.
• Simulate full load and part load operating maps, including steady state sweeps and transient maneuvers, to support performance, drivability, and thermal assessments.
• Perform DOE and optimization studies within GT Suite to explore design and calibration spaces (valve events, boost, turbo sizing, combustion and heat rejection levers, etc.).
• Translate 3D CFD and test insights into 1D model representations, including proper discretization of manifolds, ports, and system components, and appropriate use of loss and heat transfer models.
• Develop and improve standard methods and templates for GT Power model setup, correlation, FRM conversion, and coupled analyses (e.g., GT Power/Converge procedures).
• Process and structure large model and lab data sets into standardized formats for efficient post processing, visualization, and reporting.
• Provide design and calibration recommendations at component and system level (ie. induction, boosting, exhaust, valvetrain interfaces) based on model results and sensitivity analysis.
• Communicate results and trade offs through clear technical reports, presentations, and design reviews with hardware testing, mechanical simulation, calibration, and vehicle integration teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (e.g., Engineering Physics).
• 4+ years of experience in propulsion simulation, virtual engineering, or engine performance analysis, with a primary focus on GT SUITE / GT Power or similar 1D CFD tools (e.g., WAVE).
• Strong fundamental understanding of combustion engines, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer, including how these are represented in 1D models.
• Demonstrated experience building, correlating, and evaluating 1D models used for hardware development, calibration, or vehicle performance prediction.
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing and data analysis.
• Proficiency with data analysis and scripting tools (e.g. Python) for post processing, automation, and reporting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex modeling results to diverse technical and leadership audiences.
• High level of analytical ability, attention to detail, and comfort with ambiguity, especially when defining assumptions and interpreting results for new architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field with emphasis on IC engines, thermodynamics, or fluid mechanics.
• 7+ years of experience with GT Power or similar 1D engine simulation tools, including advanced features (FRM, optimization, coupled models).
• Experience with engine calibration, controls, and model based calibration techniques.
• Background in engine testing and development, including correlation of simulation to dyno and/or vehicle data for performance and drivability metrics.
• Familiarity with coupled 1D–3D CFD analyses (e.g., GT Power with STAR CCM+ or CONVERGE) for manifolds / ports.
• Experience establishing and maintaining standard work, templates, and training material for 1D simulation methods within a broader engineering community.
• High level of interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross functional, global teams (hardware, mechanical simulation, testing, calibration, thermal, vehicle integration).

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.