ICE Controls Group Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Life Insurance & Disability coverage

On-site gym

Job summary

GM Performance Power Units is seeking an ICE Controls Group Engineer to lead embedded control development for the Formula 1 power unit. You will work on real-time control systems, HiL/SiL testing, and trackside support to ensure peak engine performance while complying with FIA regulations.

You will calibrate and validate strategies across air-path, fuel, spark, combustion and torque, collaborating with chassis, powertrain, and electronics teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer, Software, Mechanical or related engineering field.
• 5+ years in control systems for real-time applications.
• Proficiency in embedded programming (C/C++, Python) and modeling tools (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Understanding of vehicle dynamics, powertrain control, and data acquisition; motorsport exposure is a plus.
• Strong teamwork, problem-solving and communication, with willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop real-time control systems for F1 power unit within FIA regulations.
• Calibrate control strategies across air path, fuel, spark, combustion and torque domains.
• Support HiL/SiL testing, dyno work and track-based validation of control strategies.
• Collaborate with chassis, powertrain and electronics teams for proper system integration.
• Assist with modeling and simulation in MATLAB/Simulink and embedded software development in C/C++/Python.

Skills

Control systems design

C/C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Vehicle dynamics

Powertrain control

Data acquisition

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree (Electrical/Computer/Software/Mechanical engineering)

Associate’s degree (optional)

Tools

Simulink

McLaren Applied Technologies (familiarity)

Job description

GM Performance Power Units - Concord, NC

Job Summary

GM Performance Power Units is seeking a highly motivated ICE Controls Group Engineer to support the development, testing, and trackside operations of our Formula 1 Power Unit. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a foundational area of our F1 program and join a world-class Electronics & Controls team. The ICE Controls Group Engineer delivers the embedded software solutions that govern the internal combustion engine, supporting SiL and HiL programs, contributing to infrastructure development, and driving innovation across control system domains. As part of the Electronics & Controls team, this role contributes directly to the control precision that will lead to race wins for our advanced hybrid power unit, targeted for debut with the Cadillac F1 Team in 2029.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in Design and Development: Support the creation of real-time control systems for the F1 Power Unit within regulatory frameworks.
• ICE Controls Strategy: Develop and calibrate high-performance control strategies across the core ICE domains below:
  • Air Path Control: Manage throttle, boost, manifold pressure, charge air, and turbo system operating limits to deliver precise airflow under steady-state and transient conditions.
  • Fuel Control: Optimize injection quantity, timing, fuel pressure, lambda control, and cylinder-level trims to support efficient, stable, and high-output combustion.
  • Spark/Ignition Control: Develop spark timing strategies that balance peak torque, knock limitation, combustion stability, and misfire avoidance across the engine operating range.
  • Combustion Control: Use combustion phasing, pressure-based feedback where available, and stability metrics to manage cycle-to-cycle variation, pre-ignition risk, and transient response.
  • Torque Control: Translate driver demand into controlled engine torque through torque estimation, shaping, and limiting strategies that support drivability, reliability, and power unit integration.
  • Thermal Control: Manage coolant, oil, exhaust, and critical component temperature limits to protect performance-sensitive hardware while sustaining peak engine output.
• Calibration and Controls Development: Support dyno, test bench, SiL/HiL, and track-based development of ICE control strategies by analyzing engine data, refining model-based controls, and validating calibration changes across airflow, boost, fuel, spark, combustion, torque, and thermal control systems.
• Gas Exchange and Engine Modeling: Develop and refine physics-informed models for air estimation, manifold dynamics, gas exchange, turbocharger behavior, and combustion response to support advanced ICE control development.
• Test Bench Support: Help specify and operate HiL systems, assist with DiL component and software testing, and provide event support as needed.
• Software Development Assistance: Contribute to embedded software development, model-based design and testing, primarily using Matlab/Simulink with supporting developments using languages such as C, C++, or Python.
• Modeling and Simulation: Assist in building and validating dynamic system models using MATLAB/Simulink for control strategy development.
• Compliance Support: Help ensure all control systems meet FIA technical regulations.
• Data Analysis: Collect and analyze performance and reliability data from electrical systems and assist in implementing improvements.
• Integration: Collaborate with other teams (chassis, powertrain, electronics) to ensure proper integration of control systems.
• Track Support: Provide assistance during race weekends, including troubleshooting and implementing solutions under guidance.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Software, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in control systems design, development, or implementation for real-time applications.
• Software Skills: Basic proficiency in embedded systems programming (C, C++, Python) and familiarity with modeling tools (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of vehicle dynamics, powertrain control, and data acquisition systems; motorsport experience is a plus.
• Soft Skills: Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility: Willingness to travel for testing and race events and participate in mission control activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with PU control theory and Simulink programming.
• Exposure to motorsport hardware and tools (e.g., McLaren Applied Technologies).
• Understanding of hybrid systems and energy management concepts.

Why Join Us

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:

• 401(k) plan including company match
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 32 days annual leave (including holidays)
• 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.

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.