Virtual Analysis Engineer - Pistons & Rings

GM•Warren, MI

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale. The Virtual Analysis Engineer – Pistons & Rings is a senior technical individual contributor responsible for advanced virtual analysis, development support, and hardware release activities for internal combustion engine piston and piston ring systems. This role applies deep physics‑based understanding to ring dynamics, blowby, and lubricating oil consumption, translating simulation results into actionable engineering and program decisions. This position operates with significant autonomy, serves as a technical authority within its domain, and contributes to method development, tool validation, and best‑practice definition across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
5+ years of experience in: Internal combustion engine piston and piston ring analysis or development, Blowby and lubricating oil consumption modeling, Hardware release or validation support
Strong understanding of: Piston secondary motion, Tribology and lubrication fundamentals, Gas dynamics related to ring pack sealing
Demonstrated ability to translate virtual analysis results into clear engineering recommendations

Nice To Haves

Hands‑on experience with MIT Consortium piston and ring analysis tools
Experience using Realis RINGPAK for development or production programs
Exposure to commercial CAE tools (e.g., AVL‑based solutions) or internally developed analysis codes
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) focused on engines, tribology, or applied mechanics
Prior ownership of piston or ring system design decisions through production release
Experience supporting late‑program issues, launch, or warranty investigations
Recognized technical depth in piston and ring system virtual analysis
Works independently on complex, ambiguous engineering problems
Influences technical direction across multiple programs or platforms
Balances model fidelity, assumptions, and hardware reality
Communicates complex physics clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

Lead and execute advanced virtual analysis of piston and piston ring pack behavior, including: Blowby and sealing performance, Lubricating oil consumption mechanisms, Ring dynamics (conformability, twist, flutter, and gas dynamics)
Apply physics‑based simulation tools to evaluate design trade‑offs and support engine program decisions
Support hardware release, validation, and issue resolution, including: Correlation of analytical predictions to engine test data, Interpretation of teardown results and field feedback
Independently define modeling approaches, assumptions, and boundary conditions appropriate to program needs
Serve as a technical interface with design, test, manufacturing, and supplier teams
Contribute to continuous improvement of analysis methods, workflows, and standards
Provide technical guidance and informal mentoring within the piston and ring analysis community