Propulsion Researcher

About the Role

Individual Contributor

This role is categorized as hybrid, requiring the selected candidate to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate innovative ideas, suggest new project areas, and establish technical plans.
• Conduct research and/or experiments to collect required data and validate research ideas.
• Write timely and high-quality research reports, external publications, and records of invention.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry and technical developments.
• 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.
• Consistently demonstrate innovative thinking and strong partnership.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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).
• Technical Expertise:
• Strong foundation in vehicle propulsion systems, including 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.
• 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.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the state-of-the-art research in specialized areas.

Qualifications

• 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.