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Propulsion Controls Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electrification and propulsion system controls for hybrid, plug-in hybrid,and electric vehicles ... Multidisciplinary engineering skill set What Would Be Even Better * PhD or multiple advanced ...

The Qualification Testing (ICE and BEV) team operates within the Vehicle & Propulsion Controls ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field ...

... the Propulsion Systems community. * Coordinate the development of Controls Features across programs and engineering teams. * Define feature rollout plans that align with program milestones ...

Master's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering * 3 years' experience in OBD calibration, propulsion system calibration, OBD Controls or propulsion controls within the electric, gasoline or diesel ...

Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$112.34K - $159.47K/yr

... engineering to define inspection methods, acceptance criteria, and process controls for safety ... Stay current with propulsion manufacturing techniques, materials, joining methods, and industry ...

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Propulsion Controls Engineering information

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$55K

$96.6K

$131K

How much do propulsion controls engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion controls engineering in the United States is $96,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Propulsion Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Propulsion Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, control systems, and propulsion technologies, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink), PLC programming, and industry standards or certifications like EIT or PE is common. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills set outstanding engineers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing, testing, and maintaining reliable and efficient propulsion control systems in complex engineering environments.

What are some common challenges faced by propulsion controls engineers when integrating new control systems into existing propulsion platforms?

Propulsion controls engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy hardware and new control algorithms, managing system stability during integration, and verifying that safety and regulatory standards are consistently met. Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including software developers, electrical engineers, and test engineers—is crucial to address these complexities. Additionally, rigorous testing and validation must be conducted to minimize risks and guarantee reliable performance before deployment.

What is Propulsion Controls Engineering?

Propulsion Controls Engineering is a specialized field focused on designing, developing, and maintaining the control systems that manage the operation of propulsion systems, such as engines or motors, in vehicles like ships, aircraft, and spacecraft. Engineers in this role ensure that propulsion units operate safely, efficiently, and reliably by integrating software, electronics, and mechanical components. They often work on projects involving automation, diagnostics, and optimization of propulsion performance. This field is critical in industries like aerospace, marine, and automotive engineering.

What is the difference between Propulsion Controls Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPropulsion Controls EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering; experience with control systemsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; often includes CAD and thermodynamics
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing propulsion control systems, often in aerospace or defense industriesDesigning mechanical systems, product development, manufacturing
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, defense, and transportation sectorsBroadly in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

Propulsion Controls Engineering focuses on designing and managing control systems for propulsion units, often requiring specialized knowledge of control theory and electrical systems. Mechanical Engineering covers a wider range of mechanical systems and components. Both roles share foundational engineering principles but differ in their specific applications and industry focus.

What cities are hiring for Propulsion Controls Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Propulsion Controls Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Propulsion Controls Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Propulsion Controls Engineering jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Propulsion Controls Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Propulsion Controls Engineering jobs are:
Lab Group Manager

Lab Group Manager

General Motors

Warren, MI • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 301 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

Who We Are

Energy and Propulsion Systems Researchidentifies, invents, develops, and implements propulsion and vehicle efficiency research and technologyto deliverdisruptive value to General Motors and our customers.

Key areasof research include:

  • Electric Drives & Power Electronics

  • Hybrid and ElectricPropulsion, Battery & Thermal Architectures and Systems

  • Multi-disciplinaryOptimization& Integration(Propulsion, Aero, Thermal, Electrical)

  • Controls & Optimization, including latest AI/ML approaches

  • Vehicle Health Management (i.e., Diagnostics and Prognostics)

  • Virtual Design and High-fidelity Measurements

Who YouAre

As the leader of the Energy & Propulsion Controls Group within the Energy & Propulsion Systems Research Lab, you will manage a team of researchers and oversee the planning and execution of research across key areas of energy and propulsion controls. The group also bringsstrongexpertisein AI/ML, with ongoing development and application of these methods to propulsion control systems.
Your immediate focus will be to lead innovation across several core technical domains, including:

  • Electrification and propulsion system controls for hybrid, plug-in hybrid,and electric vehicles

  • Battery Management Systems (BMS)

  • Optimal energy management systems


Research in the team emphasizes adaptive, connectivityenabled controls and digital twin-based development to improve vehicle efficiency, applying both datadriven and classical control techniques at thecomponentand system levels.
In this role, you will drive the definition, development, and verification of advanced control technologies as an integral part of energy and propulsion innovations supporting a future of zero emissions, zero crashes, and zero congestion.
You will also lead the group in publishing research results in peerreviewed journals and conferences, and build a strong external partnership network across suppliers,research institutes, startups, and advanced technology laboratories toleverageinvestments and amplify GM's internal efforts.


What You Do
Manage activities of researchers, including setting objectives, managing results, evaluating individual performance, coaching/mentoring, and career planning for a positive engagement
Support and encourage corporate initiatives of diversity, employee enthusiasm and culture change (Workplace of Choice)
Recruit talent and grow and diversify personal skills and prociency base
Engage the team to accomplish projects with high quality, high impact, and fast delivery
Celebrate wins and seek recognition internally and externally for accomplishments of team members
Lead corporate technology needs and chart overall strategy through active collaboration with stakeholders across the GM enterprise
Provide technology leadership inhybrid andelectrification propulsion controls and de
velop strategic roadmaps in collaboration with key stakeholders
Develop and execute R&D project portfolio that provides actionable options to address GM needs
Optimize internal and external capability to execute the project portfolio including leveraged funding (including academia, government labs, supplier, and other external collaborations)
Drive innovation and documentation of research developments through records of invention, internal reports, and external publications
Develop a global network with key universities, government labs, and industrial labs to access the world's best technology
Lead cross-functional discussion, leadership reviews and communicate results and progress across the organization
Grow and diversify personal skills and prociency base
Consistently demonstrate critical thinking and strong collaboration
Be a champion for safety in the workplace

What You Need

  • Mastersor multiple advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering,Aerospace Engineering,ChemicalEngineeringorrelated field plus 10+ years relevant work experience

  • Track recordof research or technologyimplementation

  • Experience as technical leader & individual contributor

  • Strong, charismatic, leader with excellent people skills

  • Research and development project planning/management/budget responsibility

  • Ability to execute multiple projects spanning different technical areas in parallel

  • Demonstrated ability to break through barriers to execute plans

  • Multidisciplinary engineering skill set

What Would Be Even Better

  • PhD or multiple advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,Aerospace Engineering,Chemical Engineeringplus5+ years of people leadership/team leadership experience

  • Experience inPropulsionControls(ICEs, EVs)

  • Experience as a people leader

  • Strong business acumen

  • Demonstrated performance in a position requiring both high creativity and engineeringtechnical excellence

  • Strong evidenceof career performance excellence in positions of ever-increasing levels ofresponsibility, challenge, and 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 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}.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.



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.


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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908