VDDV Technical Specialist - Vehicle Thermal Management 3D & Front-End Airflow
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General Motors
Warren, MI (In Person)
Full-Time
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VDDV Technical Specialist - Vehicle Thermal Management 3D & Front-End Airflow General Motors 3.5 ( ) Warren, MI Why you should apply for a job to
General Motors :
52% say women are treated fairly and equally to men 85% say the CEO supports gender diversity Ratings are based on anonymous reviews by Fairygodboss members. See all reviews Our Work Appropriately philosophy gives employees the flexibility to work where they can have the greatest impact to achieve their goals. Our future is all electric and we aspire to zero tailpipe emissions by 2035. Paid Family Leave provides employees up to 12 weeks of paid time off to support a new child or care for relatives with a health condition. #JR-202609070
Position summary technical authority•for integrated FEAF and under-hood/under-body thermal CFD within Virtual Design, Development & Validation (VDDV). This lead sets the technical strategy, methods, and standard work for FEAF and VTM3D, drives the roadmap toward 100% virtual thermal development , and ensures that VDDV delivers high-fidelity, high-value simulation to support program decisions, calibration, and validation. This is an individual contributor Technical Specialist role with broad global influence and accountability, not a direct people leader role. You will operate and lead at the intersection of Thermal Development, Aerodynamics, Energy, Propulsion, Calibration, AVD, and Studio , and are accountable for the technical sufficiency, consistency, and scalability of FEAF and VTM3D methods and results across regions. Success requires deep technical expertise in thermal/CFD , strong systems thinking , and demonstrated capability to influence cross-functional leaders and grow the skills of the broader engineering community. What You'll Do Technical Strategy & Roadmap - FEAF & VTM3D Define and maintain the global technical vision and roadmap for FEAF andVTM3D VDDV
in support of GM's virtual development and validation strategy (e.g., 100% virtual FEAF and thermal compliance for key GMWs / VTS). Own and evolve theFEAF/VTM3D
methods portfolio (steady/transient CFD, hot FEAF, ROAT, leakage, recirculation, driveline thermal, cabin electronics/UH/UB, CIST support, etc.), including 1D/3D coupling with VTM1D and other plant models. Lead identification and deployment of new capabilities (e.g., transient full-vehicle thermal, GPU acceleration, FSI for shutters, AI/ML-assisted estimators and design tools). Partner with ThermalVPO, FEAF
Systems Owner, VTM1D TS, Aero TS, S&S, and Energy to ensureFEAF/VTM3D
capabilities and deliverables align withVTS/SSTS/CTS
, regulatory requirements, and business priorities. Methods, Standard Work & Governing Documents OwnFEAF/VTM3D
standard work, procedures, best practices, and checklists and ensure they are current, harmonized, and applied globally. Define minimum method standards for each GVDP gate (PFI, DSI, VPI, VDR/VDC, etc.) including load cases, mesh/physics requirements, boundary conditions, validation approach, and documentation. Establish, sponsor, contribute and review DFSS / Tech Sufficiency projects that improve accuracy, robustness, and efficiency ofFEAF/VTM3D
models (e.g., correlation vs. CWT/Yuma/natural environment, material models, BCs, etc.). 3Program Technical Leadership & Escalation Serve as the top-levelFEAF/VTM3D
technical reference for all programs, supporting EGMs, LDEs, VPOs, and Performance Integration in trade-off decisions (FEAF vs Aero, packaging, styling, cost, energy, etc.). Provide direct technical leadership on the most critical or complex issues (e.g., MEO launch concerns, ROAT shortfalls, fuel system thermal integrity, driveline thermal, cabin electronics, DCFC hot-soak, off-road duty cycles). Lead or support pre- and post-launch investigations whereFEAF/VTM3D
plays a key role, including issue framing, analytic plan definition, root-cause analysis, and recommendation of design/calibration/controls changes. EnsureFEAF/VTM3D
content in peer reviews, PITs, VAPIR/VVA, LADV, and VPIT meetings is technically sound, risk-based, and framed for decision-making. Cross-Functional Integration & Ownership Act as the "Tech Specialist - FEAF/VTM3D VDDV" owner for all related performance requirements, deliverables, and peer reviews, working closely with:VPO FEAF / VPO
Thermal / VPO PTC Systems Owner FEAF, Systems Owner BEVHeat Aero Program teams and AeroTS/CFD TS
Thermal LDEs, AVD Thermal Architect, Energy/VTM1D, Driveline VDDV Studio, DREs (baffles, CRFM, fascia, grille, shutter, OAT, sensors, etc.) and Program Release AlignFEAF/VTM3D
work with controls and calibration needs (e.g., fan/shutter calibration, DCFC behavior, CIST, thermal SIL inputs), coordinating closely with Software & Services and Calibration teams . Shape and drive balanced criteria/requirements across FEAF, Aero, N&V, Brake, Thermal, and Studio, emphasizing early-phase "power of subtraction" and avoiding late-cycle rework. Innovation, Automation, and AI/ML Lead or co-leadFEAF/VTM3D
innovation initiatives, including: Automation of model build, meshing, BC setup, and reporting (AAW successors, template-based workflows, TcViz/ANSA/STAR integration). AI/ML-based tools for early FEAF prediction, grille design synthesis, temperature estimators, automatic result screening, and TKV/geometry checks. Development and use of performance databases (FEAF, VTM3D, ROAT, component temperatures) to drive synthesis, benchmarking, and requirements refinement. Evaluate and influence CFD/CAE vendor roadmaps (e.g., STAR-CCM+, PreonLab, optimization tools) and pilot emerging methods with appropriate rigor. Teaching, Coaching & Community Leadership Chair or co-chair the GlobalFEAF/VTM3D
Focus Group , setting agenda, sharing best practices, and driving closure of lessons learned and MEO actions. Develop and maintain Degreed / LMS learning pathways , bootcamps, and office hours forFEAF/VTM3D
methods (including global regions). Mentor VDDV engineers (all levels) and emerging technical leaders, with emphasis on: Thermal/CFD fundamentals and good engineering judgment Model construction, debugging and root-cause skills Effective communication of simulation results to non-CAE stakeholders RepresentFEAF/VTM3D VDDV
in internal and external technical forums (e.g., focus groups, conferences, vendor events, technical councils). What You'll Need (Required Qualifications) B.S. in Me chanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline with strong emphasis on thermal sciences and fluid mechanics 10+ years of relevant engineering experience, with substantial time in CAE/CFD-based thermal and/or airflow development . Demonstrated lead-role experience in airflow and/or thermal simulations (EV and/or ICE). Proven track record of virtual development leadership (methods, correlation, process definition) beyond single-program execution. Deep, hands-on expertise with CFD tools (e.g., STAR-CCM+ or equivalent) and CAD/PLM (e.g., Teamcenter, NX, Vis-Mockup) for complex vehicle models. Strong understanding of thermal systems, air handling, cooling circuits, and energy flows (e.g., radiators, CAC, e-motors/inverters, batteries, driveline components, exhaust). Working knowledge of 1D system tools and 1D/3D coupling (e.g., GT-SUITE) and the role ofFEAF/VTM3D
in controls/calibration and SIL/HIL workflows. Familiarity with program GVDP/GVDP-like processes , VTS/SSTS/CTS, and key thermal/FEAF-related GMWs Demonstrated Technical Specialist-level behaviors : Recognized subject-matter expert who is regularly sought out across organizations. Proven ability to define strategy and roadmap , not just execute tasks. Strong teaching/coaching track record (focus groups, training, mentoring). Able to build and run simulations. High quality written and verbal communication , including VP-level forums. Ability to lead without direct authority , aligning cross-functional teams and external partners around common methods and decisions. Proficiency with Python or similar scripting for automation of CAE workflows. Comfortable working with data / analytics (e.g., building and mining performance databases, using dashboards). Experience with DFSS / structured problem solving and correlation of virtual to physical test. Occasional travel may be required to proving grounds, test labs, or external partners for correlation, benchmarking, and technical collaboration. What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications) M.S. or Ph.D. in Thermal/Fluids, CFD, or related discipline . Prior experience as a VDDV Technical Specialist, global focus group chair, or equivalent technical leadership role.Direct experience with:
FEAF/ROAT
virtual development and correlation Driveline thermal , cabin electronics/sensor farm , or CIST modeling AI/ML applications in CAE (surrogates, prediction, optimization) Demonstrated impact reducing development time, CPU cost, and/or physical test scope through virtual methods. GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.) This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel < 25% for this role. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. About GM Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. Why Join Us We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team. Total Rewards | Benefits Overview From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources. Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.) General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire. Accommodations General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us [email protected] or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying. Why you should apply for a job toGeneral Motors :
52% say women are treated fairly and equally to men 85% say the CEO supports gender diversity Ratings are based on anonymous reviews by Fairygodboss members. See all reviews Our Work Appropriately philosophy gives employees the flexibility to work where they can have the greatest impact to achieve their goals. Our future is all electric and we aspire to zero tailpipe emissions by 2035. Paid Family Leave provides employees up to 12 weeks of paid time off to support a new child or care for relatives with a health condition.Similar remote jobs
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