ES Battery Cell Engineer

GM Performance Power Units – Concord, NC ES Battery Cell Engineer – Onsite Job Summary

GM Performance Power Units (GM PPU) is seeking an ES Battery Cell Engineer to drive the development of high‑power energy storage solutions for Formula
1. Based in Concord, NC, this role is central to delivering cell designs capable of sustained extreme power output, rapid charge/discharge transients, and controlled degradation over race‑critical life cycles. You will lead the design, validation, and optimization of next‑generation lithium‑ion cells, pushing the limits of power density and durability under aggressive F1 energy deployment and recover duty cycles and thermal constraints.

• Define cell‑level requirements (power density, pulse capability, thermal limits, aging, safety) aligned to F1 ERS duty cycles and FIA regulations.
• Lead end‑to‑end cell development from concept through validation, including electrode design trade‑offs, format selection, and manufacturability considerations.
• Own cell performance modeling and correlation (electrochemical + thermal), linking test data to system‑level ERS performance.
• Plan and execute validation campaigns under representative race conditions (high C‑rate, aggressive cycling, thermal transients).
• Drive supplier technical direction and accountability; manage cell design iterations, DVPs, and industrialization readiness.
• Conduct hands‑on testing: build, teardown, post‑mortem analysis, and advanced diagnostics (HPPC, fast pulse characterization).
• Analyze degradation mechanisms and lifetime under F1 duty profiles; create damage models and define mitigation strategies.
• Lead DFMEA/PFMEA and safety assessments with focus on high‑power failure modes and containment strategies.
• Develop and refine test methods, instrumentation, and data pipelines for high‑fidelity characterization.
• Scout and mature next‑gen chemistries and materials with clear pathways to F1 deployment.
• Generate technical reports, design reviews, and decision frameworks for rapid program execution.

• Proven experience in lithium‑ion cell design or advanced cell testing, preferably in high‑power or motor sport/high performance automotive applications.
• Deep understanding of electrochemistry, cell physics, and degradation under high C‑rate and thermal stress.
• Experience with cell modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, PyBaMM) and test correlation.
• Strong background in experimental design (DoE), statistics, and data analysis.
• Hands‑on expertise with cell test equipment and diagnostics.
• Experience working with external cell suppliers and driving technical deliverables.
• Familiarity with safety standards, abuse testing, and failure analysis.
• Ability to operate in fast‑paced, high‑performance engineering environments with tight timelines.

• Bias for action and ownership in high‑pressure, time‑critical programs.
• Clear communicator who can translate cell behavior into system‑level impact.
• Curious, data‑driven, and willing to challenge assumptions.
• Collaborative mindset with the confidence to push suppliers and internal stakeholders.

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.