Global Technical Specialist--3D Airflow & Combustion

General Motors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits may be eligible

Job summary

General Motors is searching for an Engine Combustion & Airflow Technical Specialist to enhance internal combustion engine technologies. The selected applicant will utilize high‑fidelity simulations to lead innovations in fuel spray and combustion analysis.

With a minimum of 10 years’ experience and proficiency in advanced CFD software, this role is critical for improving the efficiency of gasoline and diesel engines. This hybrid position requires reporting to the office at least three times weekly.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience with compressible CFD analysis of powertrain systems.
• MS degree focused on internal combustion engines or fluid dynamics.
• 7+ years’ experience with CFD software for combustion simulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical method development for combustion analysis and hardware metrics.
• Design and optimize geometries for efficiency and emissions performance.
• Simulate combustion processes and provide design recommendations.

Skills

CFD analysis

Internal combustion engines

Programming (Java, MATLAB, Python)

Machine learning

Data analysis

Education

MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CFD software (CONVERGE, STAR-CD, etc.)

ProStar

GT-Power

Job description

Job Description

Work Arrangement

This role is categorized as hybrid. The successful candidate is expected to report to the office at least three times per week.

The Role

General Motors is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engine Combustion & Airflow Technical Specialist to join our Engine Performance and Calibration team. This role is critical in shaping the future of internal combustion engine (ICE) technology through high‑fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in engine airflow, gas exchange, combustion modeling, fuel injection spray, exhaust systems, and emissions control, and will contribute to the design and optimization of next‑generation gasoline and diesel combustion systems and airpaths.

What You'll Do

• Lead the technical method development and roadmap for fuel spray, in‑cylinder mixture preparation, combustion analysis, exhaust and aftertreatment systems, manifolds and boosting systems.
• Own scorecards for critical hardware release metrics for combustion, airflow, exhaust systems, aftertreatment, and exhaust sensors.
• Design and optimize combustion chamber geometries for improved efficiency, power output, and emissions performance.
• Simulate and interpret combustion processes, heat transfer, cold start behavior, and catalyst heating strategies.
• Provide component‑level and/or system‑level design recommendations to Hardware & Calibration Technical Specialists based on interpretation of analysis results.
• Own and enhance current standard analysis practices and/or tools to improve prediction fidelity and/or execution speed.
• Lead, execute, and coordinate analysis capability development initiatives, with emphasis on an "all virtual" future.
• Drive testing to support the development of first‑time capable analysis techniques.
• Stay abreast of new technology and competitive products.
• Lead cross‑functional teams including engine design, calibration, controls, and emissions compliance.
• Interface with software vendors to convey future needs and impart change.
• Work with leadership, development partners, and PMT Technical Specialists to identify gaps and priorities for analysis growth.
• Seek out state‑of‑the‑art tools and methods and maintain a benchmark of industry capability and trends.
• Lead analysis support for code red and urgent product issue resolution.
• Interface with other virtual groups to establish common processes.
• Communicate status to leadership and elevate issues/roadblocks within the organization as necessary.
• Represent GM for external collaborations and conferences.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• 10+ years’ experience with compressible CFD analysis of powertrain‑related systems.
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field with a focus on internal combustion engines or fluid dynamics.
• 7+ years’ experience in CFD software (CONVERGE, STAR‑CD, STAR‑CCM+ or similar) for gasoline or diesel mixture preparation / combustion simulation.
• Highly proficient with ProStar, ICEM, Hypermesh, Tgrid, or equivalent CFD meshing software.
• Highly proficient with Converge, Siemens CCM+ In‑Cylinder Solution, StarCD, AVL Fire, or equivalent CFD software.
• Highly proficient with Ensight, ProStar or equivalent CFD post‑processing software.
• Proficient in programming (Java, MATLAB, Python), workflow automation, and customization of tools surrounding main vendor software.
• Strong understanding of engine combustion testing, data acquisition and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging machine learning, advanced statistical methods, model‑based calibration and/or multi‑disciplinary CAE optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related fields.
• Proficient in application of machine learning, data‑driven modeling techniques in context of engine simulations.
• Proficient with GT‑Power, WAVE, AVL Boost, or equivalent 1D engine simulation software.
• Experience with hands‑on engine testing, data acquisition and calibration tools (AVL Concerto, Indicom, ETAS).

Relocation benefits may be eligible for this role.

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, including direct company sponsorship or any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company.

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, email us 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.