GM Performance Power Units
3D CFD Lead Engineer
About the Role
GM Performance Power Units is seeking an experienced leader in combustion 3D CFD to drive the virtual engineering development of our Formula 1 power unit. In this role, you will develop in-house high-fidelity predictive combustion simulation capabilities using advanced 3D tools, with a focus on Converge CFD. You will collaborate closely with virtual engineering, dyno testing, calibration, fuels, and vehicle integration teams to design, optimize, and deliver a race-winning F1 engine.
This position demands deep expertise in combustion modeling, thermal systems, fuel chemistry, and performance optimization, alongside the ability to apply large design-of-experiments (DOE) and advanced optimization techniques to solve complex, multivariable engineering challenges.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the development of in-house 3D CFD combustion simulation models in Converge CFD for F1 engine design, development, and optimization.
• Collaborate with the fuels team to create racing fuel surrogates and chemical kinetics mechanisms compliant with FIA regulations.
• Simulate airflow, fuel spray, combustion, and knock for high-performance motorsport applications.
• Develop and validate engine heat transfer models to accurately predict combustion heat rejection.
• Innovate and implement analytical methods for engine technologies (boost devices, EGR, variable valve lift, etc.) with predictive capabilities that reduce testing needs.
• Protect IP through patents and trade secrets.
• Provide design recommendations based on CFD and system-level analysis.
• Work with test engineers to correlate and validate simulation results.
• Create and enhance post-processing and automation tools in MATLAB and/or Python.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics.
• 12+ years of propulsion simulation and/or virtual engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of combustion engines and modeling in Converge CFD.
• Knowledge of fuel properties and chemical kinetics.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, ambiguous environments developing new capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
• PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics.
• 8+ years of propulsion simulation and/or virtual engineering experience (with emphasis on high-performance engines).
• Expert-level Converge CFD proficiency.
• Experience in turbulent jet ignition and advanced combustion concepts.
• Record of innovation via patents/trade secrets.
• Proficiency with Chemkin, MATLAB, ANSA.
• Experience with CFD User-Defined Functions.
• Programming in Python, C/C++, or Fortran.
• High-level analytical skills for complex problem-solving.
• Broad understanding of all phases of the vehicle development process.
GM PPU and all affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity employer(s). Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit
https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/posterscreenreader_optimized.pdf.
Only direct hires need apply to or inquire about job postings at GM PPU. We are not accepting calls, resumes or applications from recruiting firms at this time.