Virtual Analysis Engineer - Pistons & Rings

Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.  

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

The Virtual Analysis Engineer – Pistons & Rings is a senior technical individual contributor responsible for advanced virtual analysis, development support, and hardware release activities for internal combustion engine piston and piston ring systems. This role applies deep physics‑based understanding to ring dynamics, blowby, and lubricating oil consumption , translating simulation results into actionable engineering and program decisions.

This position operates with significant autonomy, serves as a technical authority within its domain, and contributes to method development, tool validation, and best‑practice definition across the organization.

What You'll Do

• Lead and execute advanced virtual analysis of piston and piston ring pack behavior , including:
  • Blowby and sealing performance
  • Lubricating oil consumption mechanisms
  • Ring dynamics (conformability, twist, flutter, and gas dynamics)
• Apply physics‑based simulation tools to evaluate design trade‑offs and support engine program decisions
• Support hardware release, validation, and issue resolution , including:
  • Correlation of analytical predictions to engine test data
  • Interpretation of teardown results and field feedback
• Independently define modeling approaches, assumptions, and boundary conditions appropriate to program needs
• Serve as a technical interface with design, test, manufacturing, and supplier teams
• Contribute to continuous improvement of analysis methods, workflows, and standards
• Provide technical guidance and informal mentoring within the piston and ring analysis community

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in:
  • Internal combustion engine piston and piston ring analysis or development
  • Blowby and lubricating oil consumption modeling
  • Hardware release or validation support
• Strong understanding of:
  • Piston secondary motion
  • Tribology and lubrication fundamentals
  • Gas dynamics related to ring pack sealing
• Demonstrated ability to translate virtual analysis results into clear engineering recommendations

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Hands‑on experience with MIT Consortium piston and ring analysis tools
• Experience using Realis RINGPAK for development or production programs
• Exposure to commercial CAE tools (e.g., AVL‑based solutions) or internally developed analysis codes
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) focused on engines, tribology, or applied mechanics
• Prior ownership of piston or ring system design decisions through production release
• Experience supporting late‑program issues, launch, or warranty investigations
• Recognized technical depth in piston and ring system virtual analysis
• Works independently on complex, ambiguous engineering problems
• Influences technical direction across multiple programs or platforms
• Balances model fidelity, assumptions, and hardware reality
• Communicates complex physics clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders

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.

About GM

Our 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 Us 

We 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.

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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.

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