Power Unit Plant Modeling Engineer

GM Performance Power Units - Concord, NC Job Summary

GM Performance Power Units (GM PPU) is seeking a skilled Power Unit Plant Modeling Engineer to join our innovative engineering team in Concord, NC. This critical role develops high-fidelity 1D/0D transient plant models of F1 power unit systems (MGU, ES, ICE integration) that capture thermal-dependent performance degradation, life damage accumulation, and enable accurate lap-time simulation under race conditions.

• Develop coupled 1D transient plant models using GT-Suite or Simulink capturing MGU-K thermal degradation, ESME SoH decay, and ERS power limitations.
• Integrate component-level damage models (fatigue, wear, thermal cycling) from durability engineers into multi-lap/stint simulations.
• Create thermal-dependent efficiency maps, power derating curves, and performance degradation models validated against dyno telemetry.
• Couple plant models with lap-time simulation to predict realistic lap-time deltas from thermal states and component degradation.
• Support race strategy development through stint-length predictions, ERS deployment optimization, and thermal limit analysis.
• Collaborate with durability, thermal simulation, lap-time simulation, and controls teams to ensure model fidelity and accuracy.
• Analyze telemetry data to correlate model predictions with on-track performance and refine model parameters.
• Document modeling methodologies, assumptions, and validation results for team knowledge base and FIA technical submissions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field;
  Master’s preferred.
• 3+ years experience in 1D/0D system simulation for powertrains, electric machines, or thermal systems.
• Proficiency with GT-Suite, Simulink, or equivalent 1D simulation platforms.
• Strong understanding of thermal transients, heat transfer, efficiency degradation, and multi-physics coupling.
• Experience with MATLAB/Python for model automation, post-processing, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with lap-time simulation tools and vehicle dynamics integration.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail for high-fidelity model development.
• Motorsport or F1 experience with power unit plant modeling or ERS performance simulation.
• Experience developing damage accumulation models (Miner's rule, rainflow counting) for rotating machinery or electronics.
• Knowledge of F1 power unit architecture, technical regulations, and energy deployment constraints.
• Experience correlating simulation results with dyno/track telemetry data.
• Familiarity with optimal control, model predictive control, or race strategy optimization.
• Proficiency with Motion Applied (McLaren Applied) ATLAS or similar motor sport data analysis platforms.

• Methodical problem-solver with strong systems thinking and attention to model fidelity.
• Proactive collaborator who thrives integrating inputs from multiple engineering disciplines.
• Data-driven mindset comfortable working with complex telemetry datasets and validation.
• Passionate about motor sport performance with drive to deliver lap-time gains through modeling.
• Effective communicator who translates complex model results into actionable insights.

You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and performance of a next-generation Formula 1 power unit. Our culture rewards precision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance.