Summer Intern, Research & Development – Energy and Propulsion Controls

General Motors

. Support ongoing research assignments related to energy management, propulsion controls, thermal management, and vehicle-level control coordination .

Posted 10/30/2026internshipWarren • Michigan • United StatesEntry LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in control systems, thermal management, and energy management, with proficiency in modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and Python. Capable of analyzing system behavior and performance through simulations and real-world testing, while effectively communicating technical findings to stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Control SystemsThermal ManagementEnergy ManagementMATLAB/SimulinkData Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Modeling and SimulationBattery SystemsPower ElectronicsElectric PropulsionVehicle DynamicsFeedback ControlSystem IdentificationOptimizationCalibrationControl-Oriented Modeling

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationCuriosityWillingness to Learn

Tools & Technologies

PythonModelicaGT-SUITECANLINData AcquisitionEmbedded Controls

Industry Keywords

Energy ConsumptionRegenerative BrakingPropulsion-System Operating ModesVehicle Data LoggingAutomotive Communication

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support ongoing research assignments related to energy management, propulsion controls, thermal management, and vehicle-level control coordination
Help develop, evaluate, and document control strategies for battery, power electronics, electric machines, drive units, charging systems, and related thermal systems
Support vehicle implementation of thermal-management research, including control logic for coolant pumps, valves, compressors, heaters, fans, shutters, and other thermal actuators
Develop or modify models for battery, propulsion, and thermal-system behavior under representative vehicle operating conditions
Run simulations and analyze system behavior across drive cycles, ambient conditions, charging conditions, operating modes, and component limits
Evaluate tradeoffs among energy consumption, range, component temperature, charging performance, propulsion capability, drive quality, efficiency, and occupant comfort
Support interfaces between propulsion controls, energy-management functions, battery systems, thermal systems, HVAC-related systems, and vehicle-level controllers
Analyze sensor and actuator data to identify trends, control issues, performance limitations, and improvement opportunities
Compare simulation results with laboratory, bench, hardware-in-the-loop, or vehicle-test data
Assist with control-strategy verification and validation through test-case development, test execution, data review, and issue investigation
Document requirements, control logic, system assumptions, interfaces, calibration parameters, test procedures, and technical results
Create plots, dashboards, presentations, technical summaries, and other materials communicating findings to engineering and research stakeholders
Collaborate with researchers and engineers to define technical questions, establish analysis plans, review results, and recommend next steps
Present progress and technical findings in team reviews and incorporate feedback into follow-on work

Requirements

What you’ll need

Pursuit of an advanced degree (MS or PhD) in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, controls engineering, computer engineering, chemical engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering discipline
Able to work fulltime, 40 hours per week during the summer months
Must be willing to work in a laboratory, engineering test, or vehicle-development environment, as applicable to the assignment
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role; applicants must not need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future, including H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, and J-1 support
Coursework, research, or project experience in control systems, thermal systems, energy management, vehicle dynamics, battery systems, power electronics, electric propulsion, or mechatronics
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, Modelica, GT-SUITE, or comparable modeling and simulation tools
Familiarity with feedback control, system identification, optimization, state estimation, calibration, or control-oriented modeling
Experience analyzing time-series data from simulations, laboratory testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or vehicle testing
Experience with sensors, actuators, data acquisition, embedded controls, or software development
Understanding of battery state of charge, battery power limits, thermal limits, energy consumption, regenerative braking, or propulsion-system operating modes
Familiarity with CAN, LIN, signal databases, vehicle data logging, or other automotive communication and measurement technologies
Ability to organize technical work, document assumptions, investigate unexpected results, and communicate conclusions clearly
Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, along with curiosity and a willingness to learn

Benefits

Comp & perks

One-time lump sum taxable stipend payment to eligible students selected for the 2027 Student Program to help facilitate relocation benefits
GM Total Rewards resources supporting well-being at work and at home