General Motors

Group Manager - Cell Systems Research & Modeling

General Motors • $150K — $180K *
Warren, MI 48089In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (equivalent experience may be considered)
  • 15+ years of relevant experience in battery cell characterization, electrochemistry, modeling, simulation, or AI/ML analytics
  • Demonstrate depth in a core discipline and ability to integrate across others
  • 10+ years of experience leading technical teams or cross-functional efforts
  • Experience in matrix organizations with skills in alignment and conflict resolution
  • Proven ability to set technical direction and translate research into practical decisions
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills across various levels

Responsibilities

  • Set strategy and execution roadmap for cell characterization and modeling
  • Build and lead a multidisciplinary organization, focusing on performance management
  • Lead cross-functional teams to clarify roles and responsibilities
  • Develop partnerships and align stakeholders with competing priorities
  • Sustain characterization capabilities including electrochemical diagnostics and failure analysis
  • Lead development of various predictive models relevant to cell performance
  • Define material parameters and data needs for AI/ML integration

Benefits

  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and development
  • Focus on talent development and performance management
  • Access to advanced tools and capabilities like Databricks
  • Involvement in cutting-edge research in battery technologies
  • Leadership development and succession planning initiatives
Full Job Description
Job Description

Group Manager - Cell Systems Research & Modeling

The Group Manager will lead the strategy and execution of cell systems research spanning experimental characterization, physics-based and empirical modeling, and the practical application of AI/ML to experiments and analysis. This role will convert high-quality cell data and mechanistic understanding into predictive insights that accelerate technology evaluation, inform supplier and design decisions, improve failure analysis, and guide development from materials through full cells across vehicle, energy-storage and other battery cell programs.

The successful candidate will bring the technical depth and leadership needed to deliver these outcomes, including expertise in fundamental electrochemistry, battery materials and cell modeling, data science, and AI/ML. They will demonstrate exemplary people leadership, sound technical judgment, and strong cross-functional influence while operating effectively in a matrix organization and collaborating across R&D, engineering, vehicle and energy-storage programs, and suppliers.

This position requires full-time on-site work.

What You'll Do

  • Set the strategy, priorities, resource plans, and execution roadmap for cell characterization and physics-based and empirical modeling across materials, components, prototype cells, and production-relevant formats.


  • Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary organization through hiring, coaching, development, feedback, performance management, recognition, and succession planning. Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, trust, and continuous learning.


  • Lead cross-functional teams across characterization, modeling, cell design, materials, safety, manufacturing, engineering, and program organizations. Clarify roles, interfaces, decision rights, dependencies, and shared accountability.


  • Build trusted partnerships, align stakeholders with competing priorities, resolve conflicts constructively, and communicate technical conclusions clearly to experts, senior leaders, program teams, and suppliers.


  • Build and sustain characterization capabilities including cell performance testing, three-electrode methods, electrochemical diagnostics, impedance, thermal and mechanical response, and failure analysis.


  • Lead development and application of models spanning electrochemical, thermal, mechanical, transport, and degradation behavior. Use model outputs to prioritize experiments, quantify tradeoffs, reduce uncertainty, and accelerate program decisions.


  • Define the material parameters and data needed for modeling and AI/ML integration, including the required personnel, instrumentation, measurement methods, and workflows.


  • Establish rigorous practices for parameterization, calibration, validation, uncertainty assessment, data curation, model quality, traceability, and responsible AI/ML use. Leverage existing Databricks capabilities and promote repeatable workflows across teams and chemistries.


  • Develop a model- and data-driven decision system that identifies informative experiments, accelerates learning cycles, and makes uncertainty and confidence visible to decision makers.


  • Provide actionable technical insight for technology evaluation, supplier assessment, technology down-selection, technology transfer, and vehicle and energy-storage programs.


Success Measures

  • High-quality characterization data, validated models, and integrated technical insight delivered on program-relevant timelines.


  • Faster and more confident decisions supported by connected experiments, physics-based understanding, AI/ML-enabled analysis, and clear uncertainty assessment.


  • Shorter issue-resolution cycles through stronger diagnostics, root-cause analysis, and focused validation plans.


  • Broad adoption of the team's methods, data, models, and technical guidance across research & development, engineering, and program teams.


  • Strong team performance, engagement, talent development, and succession readiness.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.


  • 15+ years of relevant experience in battery cell characterization, electrochemistry, diagnostics, physics-based modeling, simulation, AI/ML-enabled analytics, or a combination of these areas.


  • Demonstrated depth in at least one core discipline and the ability to integrate and lead work across the others.


  • 10+ years of experience leading people, highly technical teams, major technical programs, or cross-functional research efforts, including talent development and performance responsibility.


  • Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrix organization, including stakeholder alignment, resource coordination, dependency management, conflict resolution, and influence without authority.


  • Demonstrated success setting technical direction and translating research into engineering, product, supplier, or program decisions.


  • Strong communication, collaboration, coaching, feedback, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with technical experts, senior leaders, program teams, and suppliers.


What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Advanced technical depth in electrochemistry, physics-based modeling, or AI/ML-enabled analytics.


  • Experience developing and validating electrochemical, thermal, mechanical, transport, or degradation models against cell-level data.


  • Experience applying AI/ML to diagnostics, prediction, experiment prioritization, digital engineering, virtualization, uncertainty quantification, or automated decision support.


  • Experience leading organizational growth, transformation, or integration of previously separate technical capabilities, including organizational design and change management.


  • Knowledge of GM technology development, battery validation, supplier assessment, and technology-transition processes.


  • Experience establishing shared technical standards, communities of practice, or capability roadmaps across organizational boundaries.


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}.The selected candidate will be required to travel

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

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As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

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Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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