Senior Researcher - Power Electronics & Electric Drive Systems

General Motors • Warren, MI

85d • Hybrid

About The Position

The GM Energy and Propulsion Systems Research Lab is aimed at total enterprise cost reduction via propulsion and vehicle efficiency, cost, and performance improvements. Warranty improvement and engineering development efficiency are also key areas of focus. We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Power Electronics & Electric Drive Systems Researcher with expertise in propulsion and non-propulsion electrical power conversion to join our cutting-edge R&D team in advancing electrified vehicle technology for GM and our customers. As an R&D researcher, you will apply your extensive knowledge in power electronics, electric drives and related systems to identify, develop, and implement research and technology with disruptive value to GM for future electrified vehicle propulsion systems.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required pursuant to government contract.
• PhD in Electrical and Electronics engineering, specialized in power electronics, electric machines, or related disciplines.
• Candidates must have either a minimum of three (3) years of relevant industry experience or a Ph.D. degree with demonstrated research experience in a related discipline.
• Strong background in electrical engineering, power electronics circuits, system modeling & simulation, and advanced optimization techniques.
• Knowledge of digital and analog control systems.
• Ability to program embedded controls.
• Hands-on experience in developing, instrumenting and conducting prototype hardware/software experiments.
• Knowledge of power electronics and electromagnetic analysis tools (e.g., PLECS, Matlab/Simulink, Altium PCB design, LTSpice, Maxwell 2D/3D/Q3D, JMAG, ALTAIR etc.).
• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time, domestic.

Nice To Haves

• 3-5 years experience Electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical analysis using Ansys finite element tools.
• Experience developing custom user defined templates (UDTs) for use in finite element optimization.
• Demonstrated experience in design of electric machines with iron nitride, ferrite and mixed magnet materials.
• Experience in application of advanced research and technology to automotive problems.

Responsibilities

• Research, invent, test, develop and demonstrate industry-leading power electronics & energy conversion systems that improve efficiency, reduce costs and ensure world-class vehicle performance.
• Research propulsion (e.g., inverters) and non-propulsion (e.g. charging, low-voltage systems) power electronics and related systems.
• Develop new power electronic topologies and high-density packaging technologies that take advantage of cutting-edge semiconductor devices.
• Develop multi-functional applications of electrified propulsion systems.
• Develop new propulsion/vehicle features that provide customer value.
• Develop new low-cost, rare-earth free electric machines for propulsion.
• Conduct multi-physics optimization of electric drive systems including electromagnetics, thermal, and mechanical over specified drive cycles.
• Leverage cross-domain knowledge and AI techniques for propulsion & vehicle systems optimization.
• Work alongside highly experienced and capable researchers in state-of-the-art test labs to conduct simulations and prototype hardware experiments (on bench, dyno & in vehicle) to collect required data and verify research theories that will impact future GM electrified vehicles (battery electric and hybridized).
• Collaborate globally with GM researchers and engineers in related subject areas (e.g., electric machines, controls, batteries, vehicle systems, materials and manufacturing).
• Write timely and high-quality research reports, external publications, and records of invention to detail new insights and results in your areas of research.
• Manage relationships across R&D, Advanced Engineering and Product Development groups to meet enterprise-wide objectives.
• Lead technical discussions and reviews as an expert in power electronics & electric drive system technologies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry and technical developments affecting areas of responsibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree