Researcher – Electric Drives and Power Electronic Systems

The Role:   

General Motors Research and Development invites outstanding candidates to apply for a researcher role in electric machines and drive systems within the Energy and Propulsion Systems Lab. This position will lead and execute advanced research for future propulsion systems supporting future hybrid and electric vehicle applications.

The role requires a highly accomplished researcher with deep expertise in electric machines, , power electronics, controls, drive system integration, modeling/simulation and vehicle electrification. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, shape research strategy, develop new concepts and tools, guide experimental validation, and work closely with internal teams and external partners to advance technologies from concept to production impact.

The Team:   

Energy and Propulsion Systems Research Lab identifies, invents, develops, and implements propulsion and vehicle efficiency research and technology to deliver disruptive value to General Motors and our customers. 

What You’ll Do:     

Key areas of research include: 

• Electric Drives & Power Electronics 

• Hybrid and Electric Propulsion, Battery & Thermal Architectures and Systems 

• Multi-disciplinary Optimization & Integration (Propulsion, Aero, Thermal, Electrical) 

• Controls & Optimization, including latest AI/ML approaches 

• Vehicle Health Management (i.e., Diagnostics and Prognostics) 
• Virtual Design and High-fidelity Measurements  

​ Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research into next-generation electrified propulsion systems and help develop R&D strategies in these areas
• Develop simulation tools, models, and methods for rapid prototyping, design optimization, and validation
• Develop and apply AI methods to the design, optimization and advanced control of electric drive systems
• Conduct experimental testing and evaluation of new component and system concepts
• Communicate research findings across the global GM community and document work in research reports, technical publications, patents, and records of invention
• Interact closely with divisional staff, development teams, suppliers, and external partners to meet project objectives
• Participate in technical reviews and maintain current knowledge of relevant industry and technology developments
• Mentor less experienced researchers and provide technical leadership across programs

Required Qualifications:      

• Pursuit of a MS or PhD degree in one of the following areas:  Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related science or technology field

• Advanced academic focus in electric drives, power electronics, controls, energy storage systems, or vehicle electrification

• Able to work fulltime, 40 hours per week during the summer months 

• 1 to 3 years of industrial or applied research experience in electric drives, power electronics, electrified propulsion systems, or closely related fields.

• Advanced training and demonstrated experience in the design, fabrication, testing, and manufacturing of electrification components and systems

• Demonstrated success translating innovative concepts into technical impact through patents, publications, prototypes, or production applications

• Experience in developing simulation models in ANSYS, JMAG, PLECS or Simulink and deploying them to real-time control platforms such as dSPACE, TI C2000, PLECS RT Box, and Typhoon HIL

• Experienced in power electronics, including inverter and converter topologies, EMI mitigation, PCB design for sensitive circuits, loss estimation, thermal/cooling considerations, and wide-bandgap devices.,

• Hands-on experience with integrated electric drives technologies and high-voltage electrified systems, comfortable operating dynamometer test setups and ability to assemble and operate an inverter, power analyzer, and machine test bench

• Ability to develop user defined templates (UDTs) for use in ANSYS and JMAG optimization of electric machines.

• Broad knowledge spanning electric machines, power electronics, energy storage systems, controls, mechanical and system integration

• Strong foundation in multi-physics modeling and simulation

• Theoretical knowledge of controls relevant to electric drives and software design

• Software and simulation tools: PLECS, MATLAB, Simulink, LTspice, PSIM

• FEA tools: JMAG, ANSYS Electronics Desktop, ANSYS Q3D Extractor, ANSYS Workbench. Ability to use FEA models to extract useful engineering insights

• Knowledge of advanced artificial intelligence methods applied to electric drive design

• Proficiency with standard electrical engineering laboratory tools such as oscilloscopes, power analyzers, network analyzers, data acquisition, and signal generators

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):     

• Preferred qualifications as defined by the business 

• High level of analytical ability, creativity, and initiative

• Strong record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, and technical accomplishments

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with peers, management, customers, and outside organizations

• Ability to operate as both an individual technical contributor and a strategic technical leader

Work Arrangement :  

Hybrid:  This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to GM Tech Center three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business]. 

  To help facilitate administration of relocation benefits if you are selected, please apply using the permanent address you would move from.  

Benefits:   

• GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more. 

• This job may be eligible for relocation benefits