Junior Motorsports Test Cell Automation Engineer

General Motors • Concord, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

GM Motorsports is seeking an early-career engineer to support race test cell automation for racing and performance vehicles, engines, and powertrain systems at the Charlotte Technical Center. The engineer will work with experienced test, instrumentation, calibration, controls, and software engineers to configure, script, validate, troubleshoot, and document test cell automation and data acquisition systems.

The role applies foundational engineering knowledge to assigned work, follows established processes, makes day-to-day decisions within defined guidelines, and seeks guidance when issues exceed its experience or authority. It contributes to safe, reliable, repeatable testing while developing expertise in dynamometer testing, test automation, instrumentation, and racing powertrain development. This position is categorized as onsite, and the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location full-time. Relocation benefits are available to candidates who qualify under company policy. GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, or a related field; equivalent technical education or experience may be considered.
• Entry-level professional experience or relevant internship, co-op, academic-project, or laboratory experience in controls, automation, test engineering, data acquisition, instrumentation, software, or Motorsports.
• Foundational understanding of engineering problem-solving, sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition, control systems, and software or test automation.
• Ability to apply established procedures, organize assigned work, troubleshoot routine issues, and make sound day-to-day decisions within defined guidelines.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and professionally in written, verbal, and team settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices, data integrity, quality, confidentiality, and GM policies.

Nice To Haves

• Solid software-development and scripting background using a combination of Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C#, VBScript, C, or comparable programming and model-based development tools.
• Exposure to modeling and simulation environments such as Simulink, Modelica, or Dymola, and to real-time hardware systems such as dSPACE, Concurrent, or Testbed.CONNECT.
• Experience with electromechanical system integration, including actuators, electrical circuits, basic wiring, instrumentation, and interpretation of electrical and system schematics.
• Basic experience with communication and networking protocols or interfaces, including UDP, TCP/IP, CAN bus, and EtherCAT.
• Familiarity with PUMA, Indicom, ISAC, Concerto, EMCON, AVL systems, or comparable test-cell automation and data-analysis tools.
• Interest in automotive applications, with foundational knowledge of vehicle systems, powertrains, engines, or related automotive technologies.
• Interest in system-level automation and controls, including the interaction of software, hardware, instrumentation, and test-cell equipment.
• Exposure to dynamometer testing, engine or powertrain testing, vehicle testing, combustion analysis, or Motorsports engineering.
• Familiarity with test sequencing, software configuration management, version-controlled documentation, or automated data-quality checks.
• Understanding of test-cell safety systems, building controls, alarms, environmental systems, and emergency procedures.
• Eagerness to learn, grow, and adapt when addressing unexpected issues, unfamiliar systems, and new engineering problems.
• Academic, internship, co-op, project, or competition experience involving racing vehicles, engines, powertrains, robotics, controls, or experimental testing.

Responsibilities

• Support configuration, checkout, and calibration of test cell automation systems using PUMA, Indicom, ISAC, Testbed, or comparable platforms.
• Develop and modify test scripts and test sequences using established templates, procedures, and engineering direction.
• Assist with test cell integration, input/output validation, software parameter updates, and troubleshooting of automation issues.
• Maintain configuration records, test documentation, software parameters, and change history for assigned test cell systems.
• Perform data-quality checks on acquired test data, identify anomalies, document findings, and support corrective actions.
• Support sensor and instrumentation implementation, calibration, signal validation, and data-channel verification in partnership with customers and the Data Acquisition team.
• Assist with AVL combustion-system data acquisition and coordinate data integration activities with indicating and test engineers.
• Prepare test reports, plots, and basic data-analysis templates using Concerto, Indicom, or similar analysis tools.
• Support dynamometer and full-vehicle test activities for Motorsports applications under the direction of experienced engineers.
• Collaborate with test, powertrain, vehicle, controls, instrumentation, calibration, and software teams to complete assigned work and resolve routine issues.
• Apply established procedures to troubleshoot routine issues and escalate abnormal conditions, risks, or unresolved technical concerns.
• Build working knowledge of Motorsports test principles, dynamometer operation, racing powertrain systems, and GM engineering processes.
• Follow established procedures for test cell controls, alarms, safety interlocks, emergency systems, and data integrity.
• Communicate risks, abnormal conditions, or concerns promptly and candidly.
• Support a work environment focused on safety, quality, teamwork, continuous learning, and reliable test execution.

Benefits

• Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.
• GM offers well-being support at work and at home through its Total Rewards resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level