Development & Validation Engineer

Job Description

This Development & Validation Engineer is the technical lead for TRP-related physical testing and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) detection within the RESS Development & Validation organization. The role owns planning and execution of TRP lab activities and ensures that results are tightly linked to the DFMEA, enabling risk-based prioritization for propulsion programs. Roughly 70% of the role is hands-on technical execution in the lab and with hardware, and 30% is strategy, leadership, and cross-functional coordination across Global Virtual Engineering (GVE), GPDV, safety, and program teams.

Key Responsibilities

TRP Physical Test Planning & Execution (Primary – ~70%)

• Develop and maintain detailed TRP test plans and procedures covering cell, module, and pack levels, aligned to program timing and safety requirements.
• Lead day-to-day execution of TRP tests in the lab: hardware readiness, test setup, instrumentation, and on-the-floor issue resolution.
• Ensure test configurations accurately represent design intent, including hardware deviations and associated rationale.
• Drive high-quality data collection, repeatability, and documentation; author clear test reports and technical summaries.
• Partner with safety, design, and systems teams to interpret TRP results, identify failure mechanisms, and define design/test countermeasures.

DFMEA Detection & Risk-Based Prioritization (~20%)

• Act as the TRP physical “detection owner” for relevant DFMEA line items: ensure every significant TRP failure mode has a defined and appropriate physical detection method.
• Use DFMEA scoring (S/O/D and resulting risk rankings) as a prioritization tool—to sort and cluster work—rather than as an “absolute grade” to optimize.
• Regularly review DFMEA rankings with GVE/GPDV partners to decide which TRP tests to run next, which analyses are most valuable, and where method improvements are needed.

Leadership, Collaboration & Ways of Working (~10%)

• Serve as the primary TRP physical voice in the Thermal/TRP workgroup: present status, gaps, and recommendations, and ensure actions are captured and owned.
• Coordinate closely with virtual (GVE) teams to align TRP tests with modeling assumptions, correlations, and capability gaps.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of TRP methods, fixtures, instrumentation, and standard work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum 2+ years relivant experience
• Demonstrated hands-on experience planning and executing complex lab tests (preferably thermal or abuse testing) with strong attention to safety.
• Working knowledge of DFMEA or similar risk-assessment tools, with experience linking test plans to failure modes.
• Proven ability to interpret complex test data, identify root causes, and communicate technical conclusions clearly in writing and verbally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with TRP, battery safety, or high-energy systems testing (e.g., thermal runaway, abuse, containment, venting).
• Prior ownership of DFMEAs or similar tools for safety-critical systems, including experience with S/O/D scoring and risk-based prioritization.
• Familiarity with GVDP/GPDP and propulsion program execution (scorecards, PRTS, gate deliverables).
• Experience working cross-functionally with GVE, safety, program management, and suppliers.
• Demonstrated capability to influence without authority and drive alignment across multiple stakeholders.

Behavioral Expectations

• Operates with a strong safety and quality mindset in all lab activities.
• Uses data and DFMEA rankings to focus effort on the highest-value work, avoiding “test for test’s sake.”
• Communicates proactively, escalates risk early, and brings structured options and recommendations.
• Comfortable switching between hands-on lab execution and higher-level risk/strategy discussions with leadership.

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 onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis. 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.

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 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.