Advance Cell Engineer

About 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and layout of lithium-ion and Sodium 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Electrochemical, Materials or related fields)
• 6+ years of relevant engineering experience (product development, design release, project management, supplier collaboration)
• Strong knowledge of Lithium-ion and Sodium 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

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Electrochemical, Materials, or related field) (Preferred)
• 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

Skills & Abilities

• Strong technical expertise in lithium-ion and sodium ion battery technologies
• Passion for solving complex engineering challenges

Benefits

GM provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. For more details, please refer to the Benefits Overview section.

Pay

Details on pay will be provided during the interview process.

Schedule

This role is categorized as hybrid. The selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week.