At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise cooling systems for cutting-edge Formula 1 power units.
- Company: Join GM Performance Power Units, a leader in motorsport engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, innovative work environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Passionate team culture that values innovation and precision.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of F1 technology and make a real impact on performance.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in thermal management required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
GM Performance Power Units (GM PPU) is seeking an ERS Thermal Engineer with a Formula 1 background to join our engineering team in Concord, NC. This role focuses on thermal management for Motor Generator Unit – e-motor (MGU), Control Unit Kinetic – inverter (CU-K), and Energy Store – battery (ES) systems in F1 power units. The engineer will deliver cooling strategies ensuring performance, reliability, and FIA compliance under extreme conditions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design cooling systems for MGU-K, CU-K, and ES, including heat exchangers, interfaces, and fluid routing.
- Perform thermal simulations using STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, or equivalent for CFD/CHT analysis.
- Analyze telemetry data to optimize thermal performance across duty cycles.
- Collaborate with ERS, electronics, mechanical, and integration teams for system packaging.
- Support prototype testing (dyno, track, thermal cycling) and validation.
- Ensure DFM with suppliers for manufacturability and regulatory compliance.
- Document thermal models, results, and trade-offs for review.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or related field; Master's preferred.
- 3+ years in thermal management, preferably motorsport or high-power electronics.
- Proficiency in CFD/thermal tools (STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, SimScale).
- Strong heat transfer knowledge for electric motors, power electronics, batteries.
- Experience with materials and processes for extreme environments.
- Familiarity with F1 ERS regulations.
Desirable Skills:
- Specific F1 ERS thermal design (MGU-K, CU-K, ES).
- Advanced cooling (oil spray, immersion, phase change).
- Thermal interface optimization and packaging in tight constraints.
- Telemetry analysis and controls integration.
Personal Attributes:
- Results-driven under aggressive timelines.
- Innovative problem-solver balancing trade-offs.
- Excellent cross-functional communicator.
- Detail-oriented with continuous improvement mindset.
- Passionate about F1 technology.
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 ERS Thermal Engineer employer: GM Performance Power Units
At GM Performance Power Units in Concord, NC, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and precision in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 engineering. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and collaboration across diverse teams, ensuring that every engineer can thrive while contributing to cutting-edge technology. Join us to be part of a culture that not only values your expertise but also encourages you to push the boundaries of performance in motorsport.
Contact Details:
GM Performance Power Units Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Formula 1 ERS Thermal Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like GM Performance Power Units.
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of GM Performance Power Units and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Formula 1 ERS Thermal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for GM Performance Power Units and the Formula 1 ERS Thermal Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at GM Performance Power Units
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at GM Performance Power Units.
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Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at GM Performance Power Units.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with GM Performance Power Units, making you a more appealing candidate.
