Formula 1 Power Unit Plant Modeling Engineer

GM Performance Power Units; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive engineering firm is seeking a Power Unit Plant Modeling Engineer to join its team in Concord, NC. The role involves developing advanced 1D/0D models of F1 power unit systems. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, possess 3+ years of relevant experience, and be proficient in tools like GT-Suite and Simulink. The firm values a data-driven approach and collaboration across engineering disciplines to enhance motorsport performance. Join to contribute to the next generation of racing technology.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in powertrain or thermal system simulation.
• Strong understanding of thermal transients and efficiency degradation.
• Experience with lap-time simulation tools and vehicle dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop coupled 1D transient plant models for F1 power units.
• Integrate damage models for performance simulations.
• Support race strategy through detailed predictions and optimizations.

Skills

1D/0D system simulation

Proficiency with GT-Suite

Analytical skills

MATLAB/Python for data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

GT-Suite

Simulink

Motion Applied ATLAS

Job description

Power Unit Plant Modeling Engineer – Onsite

GM Performance Power Units (GM PPU) is seeking a skilled Power Unit Plant Modeling Engineer to join our innovative engineering team in Concord, NC. This critical role develops high‑fidelity 1D/0D transient plant models of F1 power unit systems (MGU, ES, ICE integration) that capture thermal‑dependent performance degradation, life damage accumulation, and enable accurate lap‑time simulation under race conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop coupled 1D transient plant models using GT‑Suite or Simulink capturing MGU‑K thermal degradation, ESME SoH decay, and ERS power limitations.
• Integrate component‑level damage models (fatigue, wear, thermal cycling) from durability engineers into multi‑lap/stint simulations.
• Create thermal‑dependent efficiency maps, power derating curves, and performance degradation models validated against dyno telemetry.
• Couple plant models with lap‑time simulation to predict realistic lap‑time deltas from thermal states and component degradation.
• Support race strategy development through stint‑length predictions, ERS deployment optimization, and thermal limit analysis.
• Collaborate with durability, thermal simulation, lap‑time simulation, and controls teams to ensure model fidelity and accuracy.
• Analyze telemetry data to correlate model predictions with on‑track performance and refine model parameters.
• Document modeling methodologies, assumptions, and validation results for team knowledge base and FIA technical submissions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 3+ years experience in 1D/0D system simulation for powertrains, electric machines, or thermal systems.
• Proficiency with GT‑Suite, Simulink, or equivalent 1D simulation platforms.
• Strong understanding of thermal transients, heat transfer, efficiency degradation, and multi‑physics coupling.
• Experience with MATLAB/Python for model automation, post‑processing, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with lap‑time simulation tools and vehicle dynamics integration.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail for high‑fidelity model development.

Desirable Skills

• Motorsport or F1 experience with power unit plant modeling or ERS performance simulation.
• Experience developing damage accumulation models (Miner’s rule, rainflow counting) for rotating machinery or electronics.
• Knowledge of F1 power unit architecture, technical regulations, and energy deployment constraints.
• Experience correlating simulation results with dyno/track telemetry data.
• Familiarity with optimal control, model predictive control, or race strategy optimization.
• Proficiency with Motion Applied (McLaren Applied) ATLAS or similar motorsport data analysis platforms.

Personal Attributes

• Methodical problem‑solver with strong systems thinking and attention to model fidelity.
• Proactive collaborator who thrives integrating inputs from multiple engineering disciplines.
• Data‑driven mindset comfortable working with complex telemetry datasets and validation.
• Passionate about motorsport performance with drive to deliver lap‑time gains through modeling.
• Effective communicator who translates complex model results into actionable insights.

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.

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.