Senior HIL Modeling Specialist – Propulsion Thermal Management

Vacancy Status:     Yes - This posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization and is open to new applications. (Backfill) AI Disclosure: As part of the application process, Artificial Intelligence will be used in the hiring process for this role Hybrid - This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Oshawa three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business] .                                                                                                                       The Senior HiL Modeling Specialist will lead the development, integration, and validation of real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulation environments for propulsion thermal management systems. These environments enable faster, safer, and more efficient development and verification of GM vehicle systems by connecting thermal plant models with ECUs and vehicle thermal hardware in closed-loop operation. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in MATLAB/Simulink-based real-time modeling, dSPACE HiL platforms, automotive embedded controls, and end-to-end mechatronic integration. The role requires hands-on troubleshooting across simulation models, ECUs, vehicle networks, electrical interfaces, and laboratory hardware, together with the ability to provide technical leadership as HiL capabilities scale across programs and users.

Own the lifecycle of propulsion thermal management plant models, including architecture, development, calibration, integration, validation and maintenance. Define model fidelity, interfaces, execution requirements, and validation criteria in collaboration with controls, software, hardware, and test stakeholders. Develop and integrate real-time thermal models for systems such as coolant loops, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, radiators, battery thermal management and refrigerant, as applicable. Optimize models for deterministic real-time execution, including solver selection, fixed-step implementation, CPU-load management, numerical stability, and model execution performance. Design, develop, and integrate vehicle network interfaces and communication models using CAN, LIN, and automotive Ethernet. Integrate simulation models with ECUs, sensors, actuators, electrical interfaces, and vehicle thermal hardware in an engineering laboratory environment. Collaborate with test-apparatus users, ECU software development engineers, controls engineers, and hardware design-release engineers to understand requirements and perform structured end-to-end root-cause analysis. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other model developers and HiL integration engineers. Deliver high-quality results in accordance with project milestones, technical requirements, and agreed acceptance criteria.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline. Five or more years of experience developing and deploying real-time plant models using MATLAB/Simulink or an equivalent modeling environment. Demonstrated experience developing, integrating, and validating HiL models on dSPACE or comparable real-time simulation platforms. Strong understanding of controls theory, dynamic system modeling, and real-time simulation concepts. Experience integrating automotive embedded control software with vehicle or subsystem hardware, preferably in propulsion or thermal management applications. Hands-on experience with automotive communication networks, including CAN/CAN FD, LIN, and Ethernet. Strong understanding of automotive systems, propulsion systems, thermal management systems, embedded controls, sensors, and actuators. Demonstrated initiative, accountability, urgency, and ability to work independently while contributing