Propulsion Researcher

General Motors LLC; United States; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation benefits

Job summary

General Motors is seeking an Advanced PhD professional to drive research in vehicle propulsion and energy analysis. You will generate innovative ideas, design experiments, and validate results while drafting publications and technical records.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MSc with ongoing PhD studies, have strong modeling skills, and can collaborate across diverse teams in a hybrid work environment. U.S. person status may apply.

Qualifications

• PhD in a science/engineering discipline with research experience.
• Strong background in propulsion systems and energy analysis.
• Experience with modeling using first-principles approaches.

Responsibilities

• Generate innovative ideas and establish technical plans for new projects.
• Conduct research/experiments and validate ideas with data.
• Write high-quality reports/publications documenting results.
• Collaborate with divisional staff to meet objectives and share insights.

Skills

Vehicle propulsion systems

Physics-based modeling

AI/ML frameworks

Multidisciplinary optimization

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Electrical/Controls Engineering

MS with ongoing PhD studies

Tools

dSPACE

CFD/CAE tools

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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