The Role
The Advanced Battery Cell Design Engineer plays a critical role in developing next-generation lithium-ion battery cells for GM’s electrified vehicle portfolio. This position involves cross-functional collaboration with teams in Advanced Cell Technology, R&D, Purchasing, Cell Prototyping, Commercialization, and Legal to drive innovation, performance, cost efficiency, and scalability. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in lithium-ion battery technology, mechanical and thermal systems, and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges. This role directly contributes to GM’s vision of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion.
What You'll Do
- Lead the design and layout of lithium-ion battery cell components including cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes.
- Develop and optimize cell performance requirements for cells, focusing on electrical, thermal, and mechanical aspects.
- Manage Pre-A and A sample development, testing, and validation.
- Apply Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), robust design, reliability, and optimization principles throughout the development lifecycle.
- Stay engaged with advanced technologies for next-gen materials and recommend new cell designs and market opportunities.
- Lead or support testing and analysis of cell components to identify design improvements.
- Use empirical data, virtual simulations, and analytical tools (e.g., Finite Element Analysis, machine learning, statistics) for design and performance assessments.
- Collaborate with computational chemistry and manufacturing experts to apply math-based tools for design and cost sensitivity.
- Collaborate with system engineering to ensure cell-to-pack integration and compliance with internal and supplier requirements.
- Define, allocate, and optimize system and component-level requirements using physical and virtual data.
- Coordinate across internal GM departments and external partners to meet project deliverables.
- Lead internal reviews, risk management planning, and cost innovation strategies.
- Maintain a robust safety culture and ensure lessons learned are documented and shared.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Electrochemical, Materials or related fields)
- Minimum 2-5 years of relevant engineering experience (product development, design release, project management, supplier collaboration)
- Strong knowledge of Lithium-ion battery technologies (cells, modules, packs, materials, chemistry)
- Familiarity with energy storage systems and vehicle electrification
- Knowledge of material characterization techniques
- Experience with requirements flow and development
- Familiarity with statistical tools and process control methods
- Experience with mechanical CAE tools and CAD manipulation
- Proven project management skills with autonomy and accountability
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and cross-functional teams
- Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Experience writing technical documents (SODW, SOR, proposals, executive summaries)
- Proficiency in chemical handling and safe lab practices
- Understanding of industrial workplace hazards and safety programs
What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
- Masters or PhD in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Electrochemical, Materials, or related field)
- Experience with battery cell mechanical testing and validation
- Proficiency in engineering tools such as Matlab, Simulink, Python
- Knowledge of cell manufacturing processes and industrial chemical processing
- Understanding of major automotive subsystems and electric vehicle standards
- Experience with thermal analytical tools, CFD, and FEA
- Demonstrated leadership and ability to resolve cross-functional conflicts
- Experience working directly with battery supply base
- Strong cell quality, manufacturing, and product assurance planning skills
