Interior Comfort Thermal CAE/CFD Engineer

General Motors

Interior Comfort Thermal CAE/CFD Engineer

Posted 7 Hours Ago

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Warren MI USA

Hybrid

Senior level

Automotive • Big Data • Information Technology • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Manufacturing

We make amazing products people love for every journey.

The Role

The role involves conducting advanced thermal and airflow simulations to optimize vehicle cabin comfort collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and mentoring others while driving innovative analytical methods.

Summary Generated by Built In

Description
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.
Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren MI three (3) times per week at minimum.
The Role
The Interior Comfort Thermal CAE/CFD Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for building executing and interpreting advanced thermal and airflow simulations from component-level models to highly complex full-vehicle systems. This role requires deep automotive experience and strong software proficiency to drive data-driven decisions across vehicle development.
You will collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team that delivers airflow and thermal simulations to influence vehicle design with a strong focus on cabin comfort and passenger-compartment thermal management.
What You'll Do
Cabin Comfort Simulation & Analysis

Evaluate interior vehicle designs for passenger comfort using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Conduct full-vehicle CFD simulations to optimize cabin thermal management.
Assess cabin performance using 1D and 3D simulation tools including EHT (Equivalent Homogeneous Temperature) analysis.

Model Development & Integration

Develop and maintain 1D cabin models integrated into full-vehicle thermal plant simulations.
Build predictive simulation models for new vehicle programs aligned with content functional objectives and program milestones.

Cabin Comfort Calibration Simulation & Analysis

Partner with Calibration teams to advance virtual calibration workflows.
Execute CFD-based analyses that improve and accelerate virtual calibration processes.

Data Interpretation & Communication

Post-process complex simulation datasets to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
Clearly communicate technical findings and recommendations to cross-functional engineering teams.

Tool Proficiency & Technical Expertise

Regularly use commercial CFD and 1D solvers across Windows Linux/UNIX and HPC environments.
Tools include ANSA STAR-CCM+ GT-Power MATLAB/Simulink and GM proprietary codes.
Apply strong software skills in modeling scripting automation or data processing to enhance simulation workflows and reproducibility.

Collaboration & Ownership

Own virtual performance delivery in partnership with the broader Thermal Integration and VDDV teams.
Demonstrate L7-level leadership through mentorship cross-team collaboration and technical influence.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Independently identify opportunities to modernize and streamline simulation processes.
Propose and implement innovative analytical methods to solve complex non-standard engineering problems.

What You'll Need (Required Qualifications)

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Aerospace Electrical Engineering Physics or a related field with coursework in Thermodynamics Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics.
7+ years of automotive industry experience with direct responsibility for thermal systems cabin comfort or vehicle-level thermal performance.
Demonstrated software proficiency -including modeling simulation scripting or automation tools used in advanced CAE workflows.
5+ years of hands-on experience using commercial CFD solvers such as STAR-CCM+ or equivalent.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and deliver technical solutions with minimal oversight.
Solid foundation in CFD heat transfer and thermal-fluids methodologies.
Familiarity with Climatic Wind Tunnel testing associated instrumentation and data acquisition.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for communicating complex technical information effectively.

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering Physics or a related technical discipline.
8+ years of automotive experience focused on cabin comfort thermal management or related CAE disciplines.
6+ years of experience using commercial CFD tools such as STAR-CCM+.
Ability to provide strategic technical perspective and influence program-level decisions.
Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as Teamcenter VisMockup or Unigraphics/NX.
Experience with scripting languages or workflow automation (e.g. Python MATLAB).
Demonstrated success integrating Machine Learning (ML) or AI into engineering analysis or simulation processes.
Expertise in modeling simulation and validation of open- or closed-loop systems in desktop and HIL environments.
Hands-on experience with 1D solvers such as MATLAB/Simulink GT-Power or TAI-Therm.
Ability to adapt system models for MiL/SiL real-time execution.
Background in the design and release of automotive thermal systems.
DFSS training with Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

#LI-LP2
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g. H1-B OPT STEM OPT CPT TN J-1 etc.)
This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.
This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
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General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex race color national origin citizenship status religion age disability pregnancy or maternity status sexual orientation gender identity status as a veteran or protected veteran or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required where applicable to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more visit How we Hire.
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General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment email us [email protected] or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Skills Required

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Aerospace Electrical Engineering Physics or a related field
7+ years of automotive industry experience
5+ years of hands-on experience using commercial CFD solvers such as STAR-CCM+
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

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Retirement Support—Retirement funding includes a 401(k) with a 4% company contribution plus up to a 6% match with a pension option for eligible employees. This structure emphasizes long‑term financial security for many roles.
Parental & Family Support—Family supports include paid parental leave substantial vacation and holiday time backup childcare and family‑building assistance with a defined lifetime maximum. Mental‑health programs add no‑cost counseling or coaching sessions each year.

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HQ: Detroit MI

165000 Employees

Year Founded: 1908

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At General Motors our vision is to create a world with Zero Crashes Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. We wholeheartedly embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better safer and more equitable for all. Our industry and company are undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime technological transformation which is reshaping our approach to technology and innovation. We are expanding our horizons through new technology platforms and driving innovations that deliver exceptional value to our customers.

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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

Roles that are categorized as Hybrid mean that the successful candidate is expected to report onsite to the designated facility at least three times per week or other frequency as dictated by the business.

Typical time on-site: 3 days a week