Vehicle Performance Simulation Graduate Placement Engineer

GM Performance Power Units

• Concord, NC Vehicle Performance Simulation Graduate Placement Engineer
• Onsite Date of Internship: Summer 2027
• Summer 2028 Job Summary: GM Performance Power Units is seeking a highly motivated Vehicle Performance Simulation Graduate Placement Engineer to join our Vehicle Performance and Simulation team for a 12-month placement. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the development, testing, and performance optimization of our Formula 1 Power Unit program. Working alongside experienced simulation and performance engineers, this role will support vehicle and power unit simulation, model development and correlation, performance investigations, and race preparation. The placement is designed for upcoming Bachelor's and Master's graduates seeking meaningful project ownership and experience working in a fast paced, performance driven environment. The placement will provide the fundamental learning and development to build a strong foundation for a career in motorsports.

Key Responsibilities

Support the development, maintenance, validation, and documentation of vehicle and power unit simulation models. Conduct circuit-specific performance studies using lap time simulation tools and identify performance opportunities. Compare simulation predictions with dyno, test, and track data; investigate discrepancies and support model correlation.

Process, analyze, and visualize simulation and telemetry data using MATLAB and Python. Develop automated analysis and reporting workflows that improve efficiency, consistency, and traceability. Perform sensitivity studies to quantify the lap-time influence of vehicle and power unit parameters. Own defined engineering projects in simulation, performance analysis, model correlation, automation, or data analytics.

Communicate findings through concise technical reports and presentations, and collaborate with Vehicle Performance, Controls, Reliability, Power Unit Development, and Trackside Engineering teams. Additional tasks as needed. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university. Candidates should be upcoming or recent graduates (typically within the last two years) seeking to gain practical industry experience through a structured 12-month development program.

Available to complete a full-time, 12-month onsite placement in Concord, North Carolina. Demonstrated academic, research, internship, or project experience in vehicle dynamics, powertrain engineering, controls, simulation and modeling, motorsport engineering, or data analytics. Strong engineering fundamentals, including dynamics, thermodynamics, controls, numerical methods, and data analysis.

Proficiency in Python and MATLAB for engineering analysis, data processing, visualization, and automation. Experience applying analytical or simulation methods to engineering problems and evaluating results against measured data. Ability to structure technical studies, draw sound conclusions, document work, and communicate results clearly.

Strong problem-solving, organizational, and teamwork skills, with the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Formula SAE, Formula Student, Baja SAE, EcoCAR, or equivalent engineering competition experience. Experience with lap time simulation, race strategy analysis, vehicle performance modeling, or race car dynamics.

Experience with GT-SUITE / GT-Power, lap time simulation tools or vehicle performance simulation platforms, Simulink, Dymola. Experience developing, calibrating, correlating, or validating engineering models against measured data. Familiarity with ATLAS, SQL, Git, Python/Jupyter Notebooks, MATLAB or C#. Graduate research, technical leadership, design reports, publications, or significant independent projects related to automotive, motorsport, controls, simulation, energy systems, or powertrain engineering.

Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, and move in diverse operational environments, including race shops, arenas, and commercial facilities. Comfortable working in variable environmental conditions, including loud, high-traffic, or high-pressure environments. Why Join Us: You’ll help support a team developing a next-generation Formula 1 power unit, working alongside professionals who value precision, creativity, and a constant drive to improve.

Interns will have the unique opportunity to work on a team poised to showcase American engineering excellence on the global Formula 1 stage. As part of our team, you’ll benefit from a competitive and comprehensive package designed to support your performance, well-being, and future, helping you thrive at every level. That includes access to: Private healthcare 401(k) plan including company match Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage 32 days annual leave (including holidays) Free financial advisor access Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Subsidized on-site dining On-site gym Free on-site EV charging for personal GM vehicles 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. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf. Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Only direct hires need apply to or inquire about job postings at GM Performance Power Units. We are not accepting calls, resumes or applications from recruiting firms at this time.