Propulsion Researcher

General Motors; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a PhD-level researcher in propulsion and vehicle energy analysis on a hybrid work model. The role focuses on proposing new project areas, conducting experiments, and delivering high-quality research outputs.

The candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams, maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry developments, and contribute to strategic technology planning in the automotive sector.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical/controls engineering with research experience or Master’s with ongoing PhD.
• Strong foundation in vehicle propulsion and energy analysis.
• Experience with 1D modeling and lab/dyno testing.
• Familiarity with CFD/CAE workflows and AI/ML methods.
• Proven ability to communicate research results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Generate innovative ideas and establish technical plans for automotive propulsion research.
• Conduct experiments and collect data to validate research hypotheses.
• Publish high-quality research reports and contribute to external publications.
• Identify mega-trends in technology and business strategies in the automotive sector.
• Collaborate with GM divisional staff to meet project objectives.

Skills

Propulsion systems

1D modeling

Vehicle energy analysis

AI/ML basics

CFD/CAE

dSPACE prototyping

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Master's with ongoing PhD

Tools

dSPACE

CFD/CAE tools

AI/ML frameworks

Job description

Job Description

Advanced (PhD) degree in science/engineering disciplines.
New PhD grad up to 1-3 years work experience. Individual Contributor. Generate innovative ideas, suggest new project areas, and establish technical plans. Conduct research and/or experiments to collect required data and validate research ideas in developing. Write timely and high-quality research reports, external publications, and records of invention to document new ideas and research results in your area of research.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry and technical developments to grow core technical skills and competencies.
Establish relationships and develop partners with divisional staffs to meet project objectives
Observe and ensure support personnel proper safety practices and ensure personal protective equipment is in working order. Communicate laboratory hazards appropriately.
Execute technical and special assignments.
Assist lab management in identifying mega-trends in technology and business strategies in the automotive sector.
Contribute responses to threats and opportunities.
Represent GM effectively to the external technical and business communities.
Participate in technical discussions and reviews as an expert in your field.
Grow and diversify personal skills and competency base.
In-depth knowledge of the state-of-the-art research in specialized areas.
Consistently demonstrate innovative thinking and strong partnership.
Strong verbal and written communication skills

New Phd Graduate, 1-3 years experience, individual contributor

U.S. Person Status: This position is subject to export control regulations and requires the candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).

Education:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Controls Engineering, or a related discipline with demonstrated research experience, or
• Master’s degree in a relevant field with ongoing Ph.D. studies.

Experience: 0–3 years of relevant industry or research experience.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong foundation in vehicle propulsion systems, including propulsion architectures for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and conventional vehicle powertrains.
• Strong background in physics‑based modeling of continuous and discrete systems using first‑principles approaches.
• Proficiency in vehicle energy analysis, including assessment of sub‑component or sub‑system impact on vehicle efficiency, losses and vehicle fuel economy and range.
• Familiarity with vehicle test procedures and standard drive cycles used for vehicle fuel economy/ range and performance assessment.
• Knowledge of power transfer mechanisms commonly used in propulsion systems, including electrically variable transmissions, step gear and automatic transmissions, final drives etc.
• Knowledge of propulsion components, including engines, electric motors and batteries and their impact on the propulsion system.
• Familiarity with the use of any 1D modeling tool for vehicle energy assessment.
• Hands on experience with common prototyping software (e.g. dSPACE) and lab/ dyno experience related to propulsion components or vehicle testing.
• Experience with design optimization workflows using CFD and CAE methods.
• Working knowledge of AI/ML frameworks and methods, including regression, classification, deep learning, use of digital twins, reinforcement learning.
• Strong background in physics‑based modeling of continuous and discrete systems using first‑principles approaches.
• Experience with multi‑disciplinary optimization (model‑based and data‑driven).

Professional Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and operate effectively in environments with ambiguity or evolving requirements.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and capable of driving independent work.

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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