Powertrain CFD Engineer (Converge /GT Suite)

Detroit Engineered Products; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Engineered Products in Michigan seeks a Powertrain Combustion Engineer to advance combustion and engine simulation development. You will drive 1D and 3D modeling using GT-SUITE/GT-POWER and CONVERGE CFD to support performance, emissions, and fuel economy goals.

The role requires hands-on CFD and engine modeling, data correlation with test results, and collaboration with design, calibration, and testing teams. Strong analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or related field.
• 3–8+ years in powertrain, engine combustion or CFD.
• Hands-on GT-SUITE/GT-POWER and/or CONVERGE CFD experience.
• Strong engine fundamentals and combustion physics.
• Experience with engine performance, emissions, and air-path modeling.
• Experience with model development, calibration, and test correlation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop 1D engine models with GT-SUITE/GT-POWER.
• Perform 3D CFD with CONVERGE for in-cylinder flow and emissions.
• Analyze in-cylinder pressure, ignition and combustion characteristics.
• Model complete engine air paths and exhaust aftertreatment.
• Calibrate simulations to match engine dyno/test data.
• Conduct DOE, optimization, and param studies.
• Translate simulation results to engineering solutions with teams.
• Automate setup and post-processing with scripting.

Skills

Powertrain engineering

Engine CFD

GT-SUITE/GT-POWER

CONVERGE CFD

Python/MATLAB

DOE & calibration

Data analysis

Education

Mechanical Eng

Automotive Eng

Aerospace Eng

Tools

GT-SUITE/GT-POWER

CONVERGE CFD

AVL FIRE

STAR-CCM+

ANSYS Fluent

GT-Power

AVL BOOST

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Powertrain Combustion Engineer with experience in internal combustion engine simulation and development using CONVERGE CFD and/or GT-SUITE/GT-POWER.

The engineer will be responsible for developing, executing, and correlating combustion and engine simulation models to support powertrain performance, fuel economy, emissions, and combustion system development. The role will work closely with engine design, calibration, controls, testing, and other cross-functional engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute 1D engine simulation models using GT-SUITE/GT-POWER for gasoline and/or diesel internal combustion engines.
• Develop and perform 3D CFD simulations using CONVERGE for in-cylinder flow, fuel spray, combustion, heat transfer, and emissions.
• Perform combustion analysis including:
• In-cylinder pressure and heat-release analysis
• Ignition and combustion characteristics
• Spray development and fuel injection
• Knock and combustion stability
• Soot and NOx formation
• Model and analyze complete engine air paths, including intake, exhaust, turbocharger, EGR, intercooler, throttle, and related components.
• Develop and correlate engine simulation models against engine dynamometer and test-cell data.
• Perform model calibration, sensitivity studies, Design of Experiments (DOE), optimization, and parameter studies.
• Analyze engine performance parameters including torque, power, BSFC/BSFC, volumetric efficiency, air mass flow, combustion efficiency, and emissions.
• Support combustion system optimization through simulation-driven recommendations for:
• Compression ratio
• Valve timing
• EGR rate
• Boost pressure
• Perform full-load, part-load, steady-state, and transient engine simulations.
• Support exhaust aftertreatment modeling and emissions development, including DOC, DPF, SCR, and TWC as applicable.
• Perform CONVERGE + GT-SUITE coupled 1D/3D simulations where required.
• Conduct simulation-to-test correlation and identify root causes for discrepancies between simulation and physical test results.
• Prepare technical reports, simulation summaries, presentations, and engineering recommendations.
• Work closely with hardware, calibration, controls, testing, and design teams to translate simulation results into engineering solutions.
• Automate simulation setup, post-processing, and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or other scripting tools where applicable.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–8+ years of experience in powertrain, engine combustion, CFD, or engine simulation.
• Hands-on experience with GT-SUITE/GT-POWER and/or CONVERGE CFD.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engine fundamentals and combustion physics.
• Experience with engine performance, combustion, emissions, and air-path modeling.
• Experience with simulation model development, calibration, and test correlation.
• Strong understanding of engine operating parameters and performance metrics.
• Experience interpreting simulation and experimental data.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Technical Skills

• CONVERGE CFD – in-cylinder flow, spray, combustion, emissions, turbulence, heat transfer, and moving mesh applications.
• GT-SUITE / GT-POWER – 1D engine, intake/exhaust, turbocharger, EGR, combustion, performance, and emissions modeling.
• Experience with CONVERGE + GT-SUITE coupling is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of combustion models such as Wiebe, flamelet, multi-zone, and detailed chemistry models.
• Experience with fuel spray and injection modeling.
• Knowledge of gasoline, diesel, alternative fuels, and/or hydrogen combustion is a plus.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and Python for data analysis and automation.
• Knowledge of engine dyno testing and test-data acquisition.
• Familiarity with AVL FIRE, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, GT-Power, AVL BOOST, or similar tools is a plus.
• Experience with HPC/Linux environments and parallel CFD simulations is desirable.