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Cadillac Elevated Velocity (May 2024 - Nov 2025)

Skills: System Engineering, System architecture, Embedded systems, Mechatronics integration, Cross-functional leadership, Electric Vehicle, Control application development

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Role: Main contributor of mechatronics design and system integration

Product Site: Cadillac Elevated Velocity

At General Motors’ Advanced Design Pasadena studio, I worked on concept vehicle programs where vehicles are developed as fully functional prototypes under demanding timelines.
As the primary mechatronics engineer on the Cadillac Elevated Velocity program, I owned the full lifecycle of the vehicle's electro-mechanical systems — from early architecture through build, integration, and the public debut event.

System architecture, Mechatronics R&D


My technical scope included defining system architecture for electro-mechanical features, developing control and communication strategies, selecting actuators and sensors, developing proof-of-concept mockups, and supporting component packaging.
My role often sat at the intersection of mechanical design, electronics, controls, and fabrication teams, helping translate design intent into functional systems and ensuring subsystems integrated successfully at the vehicle level.

Detailed design, Integration, Test & Vehicle Launch


A significant portion of my work involved system integration and support during prototype vehicle builds. Concept vehicles combine numerous custom electro-mechanical systems, lighting systems, user interface elements, and embedded control components, all of which must function reliably together within a limited build timeline.

During final build phases, I supported system integration, troubleshooting, functional testing, and coordination between engineering, fabrication, and assembly teams. This work required rapid problem-solving, clear cross-functional communication, and engineering decision-making under time constraints.
I also developed the vehicle's control application, ensuring all interactive modes functioned reliably under show conditions, and operated the vehicle on stage at the debut.

EV at dessert
Qiaozhi working on interir

Program coordination


Beyond the technical work, I managed mechatronics timelines leading up to the reveal event, served as the key communication link between the interior/exterior design, fabrication design, and shop floor, across Pasadena studio GM's Michigan team. I maintained comprehensive technical documentation throughout the program to support knowledge continuity for future builds.
Concept vehicle programs demand engineering decisions that balance functionality, reliability, packaging, fabrication feasibility, and show readiness — often simultaneously. This project has sharpened my ability to bridge design, engineering, and fabrication teams and make sound tradeoffs under time pressure.

About the vehicle


The Cadillac Elevated Velocity is an all-electric, high-performance 2+2 luxury crossover concept designed to push Cadillac's V-Series vision forward. Revealed at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in August 2025, it features a signature Vapor Blue exterior, gull-wing doors, 24-inch wheels, and a driver-focused cabin with selectable performance modes — including an autonomous Elevate Mode and a high-performance Velocity Mode. The concept was recognized by EyesOn Design as the Best Concept Vehicle of 2026, the second consecutive year a Cadillac concept from GM's advanced studios has taken this honor.
 

External references
EyesOn Design Best Concept Vehicle 2026

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