Battery Systems Researcher

Job Description

Energy and Propulsion Systems Research is aimed at driving propulsion and vehicle efficiency, cost, and performance improvements. Total enterprise cost reduction through warranty improvement and engineering development efficiency are key areas. 

GM continues to make progress towards electric vehicle (EV) profitability, and there is a strong need for expertise in battery systems, i.e., the non-cell portion of the battery pack and its integration into the rest of the vehicle systems. 

This position is dedicated to advancing critical core expertise that supports the development of cutting-edge propulsion and energy storage technologies, spanning electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). 

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

The role requires covering a wide-ranging, diverse set of topics aimed at improving propulsion and vehicle system efficiency, cost, and quality. This includes the need for significant exploration and research in:

• Advance the state-of-the-art battery systems for BEV, PHEV, HEV, and EREV architectures
• Innovation in Battery Systems (Structure/Electrical/Thermal) – design, packaging, integration, safety and assembly
• Battery system modeling, including new techniques and methods as needed.
• Battery system synthesis: development of system and subsystem with features and specifications to meet advanced requirements on volumetric energy density, safety, thermal management, fast-charging, and cost.
• Apply optimization techniques to assess and refine battery system performance and specifications
• Breadboarding and integration of battery system hardware elements for proof-of-concept demonstration where needed
• Support development of research strategy and technology roadmaps
• Supervise prototype implementation activities in benches and vehicles
• Scout and evaluate innovative technologies for the specified research areas
• Effectively communicate results and progress in written and oral form
• Document results of individual and team efforts for internal and external publications or patents
• Procure and manage any required external contractor support

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required pursuant to government contract
• Ph.D. in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field with demonstrated research capability or equivalent background
• Candidates must have either a minimum of three (3) years of relevant industry experience or a Ph.D. degree with demonstrated research experience in a related discipline.
• Strong theoretical foundation and practical experience in Battery Systems optimization, and propulsion systems integration

Modeling & Simulation:

• Strong foundation in physics-based modeling for continuous and discrete systems using first principles
• Mechatronic system synthesis methods
• Proficiency in linear and nonlinear system modeling, simulation, and control theory
• Experience with multi-disciplinary optimization techniques (model-based and data-driven)

AI/ML & Data Analytics:

• Advanced knowledge of intelligent data modeling using state-of-the-art AI/ML techniques, including large language models (LLMs)
• Proficiency in Matlab, GT-Thermal, Python, including ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, as well as PySpark

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• 3-5 years’ of industry experience
• Experience in application of advanced research and technology to the following automotive systems: high voltage battery, electromechanical actuators, power electronics, electrical systems
• Hardware hands-on experience highly recommended, including but not limited to experience in dSpace rapid prototyping, ETAS tools

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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