Thermal Systems Researcher

generalmotors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Job summary

General Motors in Michigan is seeking a recent PhD graduate with 1–3 years of experience for a hands-on, individual-contributor role in vehicle thermal systems research. You will generate innovative ideas, develop technical plans, conduct experiments, and document results to advance GM's core thermal and propulsion cooling technologies.

This hybrid position requires strong skills in heat transfer, CFD, data acquisition, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• New PhD grad with 1–3 years work experience in research or development.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, refrigeration systems.
• Experience with thermal/fluids measurement instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Familiarity with vehicle thermal loops and propulsion components cooling.
• Proficiency with CFD tools and 1D system modeling.
• Knowledge of AI/ML basics and physics-based modeling approaches.
• Ability to collaborate across diverse teams and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Generate innovative ideas, suggest new project areas, and establish technical plans.
• Conduct research/experiments; collect data and validate ideas.
• Publish high-quality research reports and records of invention.
• Maintain knowledge of industry developments to grow core skills.
• Represent GM to external technical and business communities.
• Participate in technical discussions and reviews as an expert.
• Grow and diversify personal skills and competency base.

Skills

Heat transfer

Fluid dynamics

Thermal systems

Propulsion cooling

CFD tools

StarCCM+

PowerFlow

Fluent

1D system modeling

AI/ML basics

Physics-based modeling

Model-based optimization

Data acquisition

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in science/engineering

Tools

StarCCM+

PowerFlow

Fluent

GT‑ISE

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

• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, refrigeration systems, and related engineering domains.
• Knowledge of vehicle thermal loops, propulsion and vehicle thermal systems, and heat exchanger design principles.
• Knowledge of propulsion components (e.g. batteries, engines, motors), their thermal requirements and cooling techniques.
• Hands on experience with thermal and fluid measurement instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Understanding of vehicle aerodynamics and its interaction with thermal systems.
• Experience with design optimization workflows using CFD and CAE methods.
• Proficient in CFD tools, such as StarCCM+, PowerFlow, Fluent.
• Proficiency with 1D system modeling tools such as GT‑ISE, and familiarity with model reduction techniques.
• 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).

• 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.

Additional Information: This position may be eligible for relocation benefits.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). 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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