At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise high-power battery cells for Formula 1 racing.
- Company: Join GM Performance Power Units, a leader in motorsport innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a chance to work in a thrilling environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in the fast-paced world of F1.
- Qualifications: Experience in lithium-ion cell design and a passion for high-performance engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
Formula 1 ES Battery Cell Engineer in Concord employer: GM Performance Power Units
At GM Performance Power Units in Concord, NC, we offer an exhilarating work environment where innovation meets high-performance engineering. As a Formula 1 ES Battery Cell Engineer, you will be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, with ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a culture that values precision and creativity. Join us to contribute to the future of motorsport while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that encourages diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
GM Performance Power Units Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Formula 1 ES Battery Cell Engineer in Concord
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the motorsport and battery tech industries. Attend events, join forums, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects related to lithium-ion cell design or testing. Include any hands-on work you've done, especially if it relates to high-performance applications. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the specifics of F1 energy storage solutions. Brush up on your knowledge of electrochemistry and degradation mechanisms. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to their cutting-edge projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to the exciting world of Formula 1.
We think you need these skills to ace Formula 1 ES Battery Cell Engineer in Concord
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with lithium-ion cell design and high-performance applications. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the ES Battery Cell Engineer role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise in electrochemistry, cell physics, and modelling tools like MATLAB or Python. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at GM Performance Power Units
✨Know Your Electrochemistry
Brush up on your knowledge of electrochemistry and cell physics. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to high-power applications, especially in the context of Formula 1. Prepare examples from your past work that demonstrate your understanding of degradation mechanisms and thermal stress.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role involves hands-on testing and diagnostics, be prepared to share specific experiences where you built, tested, or analysed battery cells. Highlight any advanced diagnostics you've performed and how they contributed to project success.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Skills
Familiarise yourself with cell modelling tools like MATLAB or Python. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools for performance modelling and correlation in previous projects. Bring along any relevant data analysis examples that showcase your ability to interpret complex datasets.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect technical questions that challenge your problem-solving skills. Think about potential failure modes in high-power applications and how you would approach safety assessments. Show your bias for action by discussing how you've tackled similar challenges in fast-paced environments.
