ES Battery Cell Engineer in Concord

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 lifecycles. 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in lithium-ion cell design or advanced cell testing, preferably in high-power or motorsport/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.

Personal Attributes

• 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.

Why Join Us

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.

Please note: GM Performance Power Units and all affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity employer(s). Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.