CFD Engineer (CAE) – Propulsion and Battery Systems

Job Description

Role

As a CFD Engineer – Propulsion and Battery Systems, you will lead DFMEA-driven 3D

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis at the component, subsystem, and

system level to optimize thermal performance and system reliability across GM propulsion

systems. Operating within a DFMEA-centric environment, you will use virtual engineering

to identify failure modes, evaluate severity/occurrence risks, and drive robust risk

mitigation strategies for propulsion systems, specifically battery and power electronics

thermal performance, durability and safety requirements.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid work position: This position does not require an employee to be on-site full-time to

perform most effectively. The employee’s role enables them to work at a GM facility or off-

site as frequently as needed or desired.

Primary Responsibilities

● Perform DFMEA-aligned 3D CFD analysis focusing on high-voltage battery systems

and power electronics to identify and mitigate critical thermal failure modes at the

cell, module, pack, and system level.

● Simulate and quantify battery Thermal Runaway Propagation (TRP), venting gas

dynamics, and safety physics under severe abuse scenarios to validate DFMEA

mitigation designs, barrier integrity, and failure containment controls.

● Lead thermal risk assessments during early architecture definition and concept

selection using rapid CFD trade studies to eliminate high-risk failure modes prior to

design freeze.

● Correlate virtual failure mode predictions with physical test and validation data to

ensure simulation fidelity in predicting real-world failure thresholds and reliability

margins.

● Clearly and effectively communicate analysis plans, assumptions, and results to

internal and external stakeholders using presentations, reports, and design reviews.

● Meet or exceed timing, quality, and cost targets within structured product

development processes.

● Participate in and/or lead benchmarking and advanced methods activities to

continuously improve GM’s virtual engineering capabilities in CFD and multi-

physics analysis.

Required Skills and Experience

● 5+ years of experience with simulation, design, testing, or release of propulsion-

related systems (e.g., engines, transmissions, e-drive units, batteries, power

electronics, thermal management systems).

● Hands-on experience with at least one commercial 3D CFD software package

(e.g., STAR-CCM+, Simerics-MP+, Fluent, or equivalent).

● Demonstrated understanding of heat transfer and fluid mechanics (conduction,

convection, radiation, pressure loss, turbulence, etc.) applied to real engineering

systems.

● Familiarity or practical experience with vehicle propulsion system design,

operation, or testing.

● BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or closely related field) required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

● 5+ years of advanced experience with 3D CFD thermal and fluid analysis

specialized for battery pack and module systems.

● Experience in modeling battery Thermal Runaway Propagation (TRP) and gas

venting dynamics under severe thermal abuse and cell failure conditions.

● Experience with electro-thermal multi-physics coupling, integrating

electrochemical heat generation models with 3D CFD for cell characterization,

module, and pack simulations.

● Expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Reduced

Order Modeling (ROM) for rapid thermal prediction, digital twins, and real-time

CFD surrogate modeling

 



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}.

Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.



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