Advanced Cell Engineer

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.

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.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in lithium-ion battery technology, mechanical and thermal systems, and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges.

This role directly contributes to GM’s vision of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion.

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.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Electrochemical, Materials or related fields)

2+ years of relevant engineering experience (product development, design release, project management, supplier collaboration)

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

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

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

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