General Motors

Researcher - Electric Drives and Power Electronic Systems

General Motors$95K — $115K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Electronic Engineering or related field
  • Advanced focus on electric drives and power electronics
  • 1-3 years industrial research experience in relevant fields
  • Hands-on experience with electric drive technologies and high-voltage systems
  • Familiarity with simulation tools like ANSYS, JMAG, PLECS, Simulink
  • Proven record of translating concepts into patents or publications
  • Strong knowledge in multi-physics modeling and AI applications for drive design

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on electrified propulsion systems and develop R&D strategies
  • Create simulation tools and methods for design optimization
  • Apply AI for advanced control of electric drive systems
  • Lead experimental testing of new components and concepts
  • Document findings and communicate them across GM
  • Collaborate with teams and external partners to achieve project goals
  • Mentor junior researchers and provide technical guidance

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement savings plan with contributions
  • Tuition assistance programs for further education
  • Generous paid vacation and holiday policy
  • Employee assistance program for personal support
  • GM vehicle discounts for employees
  • Opportunity for relocation benefits for selected candidates
Full Job Description
Job Description

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.

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:

Onsite: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to [specific location where employee is expected to report] on a full-time basis.

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

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.

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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.

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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
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

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