Tribology CAE Engineer

General Motors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

General Motors in Michigan is seeking a Tribology CAE Engineer to lead advanced virtual analysis and method development for frictional joint interfaces across propulsion and electrified systems. You will apply physics-based CAE, define modeling approaches, and develop coupled CFD-to-tribology workflows, influencing design decisions, validation, durability, efficiency, and NVH.

This hybrid role requires collaboration across global teams and may include relocation benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience applying CAE to lubricated-contact or fluid-system domains such as bearings or gears.
• Strong understanding of lubrication fundamentals and EHL.
• Experience correlating simulations with test or warranty data.

Responsibilities

• Lead virtual analysis of tribological interfaces across propulsion and electrified systems.
• Define modeling approaches, boundary conditions, and inputs independently.
• Develop coupled CFD-to-tribology workflows.
• Translate results into actionable design recommendations and acceptance criteria.
• Collaborate with design, test, manufacturing, and supplier teams.

Skills

Tribology

CAE analysis

CFD

Powertrain

Multibody dynamics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FLARE

AVL Excite

GT-Power

Star-CCM+

Abaqus

MATLAB

Python

Simcenter

Pumplinx

Job description

Job DescriptionRole SummaryWe are seeking a Tribology CAE Engineer to lead advanced virtual analysis and method development for frictional joint interfaces across GM propulsion and electrified systems. This role is intended for candidates with depth in one or more tribology domains, including lubricated, non-lubricated, and partially lubricated frictional joints. The engineer will apply this expertise to influence design decisions, validation strategy, durability, efficiency, NVH, and issue resolution across current and future products.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and execute virtual analysis of tribological interfaces across propulsion and electrified systems, with focus areas that may include:Hydrodynamic, elastohydrodynamic, mixed, and boundary lubricationOil flow, oil supply, pressure distribution, aeration/cavitation, temperature, and lubricant transportBearing, bushing, piston skirt/ring/pin, gear, pump, turbocharger, seal, and e-drive component behaviorFriction, wear, scuffing, seizure, durability, efficiency, thermal performance, and NVH-related mechanismsApply physics-based CAE and reduced-order/system models to evaluate design trade-offs and support architecture, sizing, calibration, and program decisions.Independently define modeling approaches, assumptions, boundary conditions, material and lubricant inputs, and analysis fidelity appropriate to program needs.Develop and use coupled analysis workflows, including CFD-to-tribology or system-to-component approaches, when they improve prediction quality or engineering decision speed.Support hardware release, validation, and issue resolution, including correlation of analytical predictions to rig, engine, vehicle, e-drive, teardown, field, and warranty evidence.Translate virtual analysis results into clear engineering recommendations, risk assessments, design actions, and measurable acceptance criteria.Serve as a technical interface with design, test, manufacturing, materials, lubrication-system, controls, supplier, and program teams.Develop, validate, document, and deploy analysis methods, standard work, templates, checklists, and reusable workflows that improve consistency and first-time quality.Contribute to automation, scripting, parametric studies, design of experiments, data reduction, visualization, and other improvements that reduce analysis cycle time.Provide technical guidance, peer review, and informal mentoring within the lubrication, tribology, thermofluids, and powertrain CAE communities.Communicate complex physics, uncertainty, and engineering judgment clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.5+ years of relevant experience in CAE, engineering analysis, product development, or validation involving lubrication, tribology, thermofluids, powertrain, or electrified propulsion systems.Demonstrated hands-on experience applying CAE to at least one lubricated-contact or fluid-system domain, such as bearings, piston/ring systems, gears, pumps, turbochargers, seals, lubrication circuits, or e-drive components.Strong understanding of relevant lubrication and tribology fundamentals, including fluid-film behavior, friction, wear, contact mechanics, oil properties, heat generation, thermal effects, and the relationship between load, speed, clearance, surface condition, and lubricant supply.Experience using one or more commercial, internally developed, or open-source CAE tools for lubrication, tribology, CFD, thermofluids, multibody dynamics, or related analysis; equivalent tools and transferable methods are acceptable.Demonstrated ability to select appropriate model fidelity, establish defensible assumptions and boundary conditions, assess uncertainty, and interpret results in the context of hardware behavior.Experience correlating simulations with test, teardown, field, or warranty data and using the findings to refine models or recommend design actions.Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex, ambiguous analysis tasks and deliver clear, technically sound recommendations on schedule.Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including the ability to explain technical results and influence cross-functional decisions.Experience working effectively in cross-functional, global, and matrixed engineering organizations.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Tribology, Lubrication, Applied Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermofluids, or a related field.Hands-on experience with FLARE or an equivalent hydrodynamic/tribology CAE tool for bearing, piston, ring, skirt, or related lubrication analysis.Experience with AVL Excite, GT-Power, Star-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent/CFX, Siemens Simcenter tools, Pumplinx, Abaqus, MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools; proficiency in equivalent toolsets is valued.Experience with 1-D or 0-D lubrication-system models, oil-pump and oil-gallery analysis, oil-pan slosh, oil distribution, aeration, cavitation, or lubricant transport.Experience with CFD-to-tribology coupling, including use of CFD-derived pressure, flow, temperature, or load inputs in component-level lubrication or durability predictions.Advanced EHL or contact-mechanics experience involving coated, multilayer, polymer-metal, rough-surface, high-pressure, or high-temperature tribological systems.Experience with rolling-element bearings, gears, turbocharger journal/thrust bearings, piston assemblies, valve-train components, pumps, seals, or electrified drive-unit components.Experience developing, validating, and deploying new CAE methods or converting analysis procedures into approved standard work for production programs.Experience with CAE workflow automation, scripting, high-performance computing, design of experiments, optimization, surrogate modeling, or engineering data visualization.Experience supporting late-program issues, launch, warranty investigations, cost or efficiency improvements, or hardware release decisions.Familiarity with GM or comparable OEM product-development processes, DFMEA/DRBFM, design reviews, virtual validation, and quality-chain practices.Demonstrated technical leadership through method ownership, peer review, mentoring, internal publications, patents, conference presentations, or participation in communities of expertise.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}.The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).About GMOur vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.Why Join UsWe believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.Benefits OverviewFrom day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources .Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire .AccommodationsGeneral Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.