Chief Engineer - ICE

GM Performance Power Units

$130K — $180K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
  • 10+ years of experience in ICE design and development, including 5 years in a senior engineering leadership role within motorsports.
  • Proven track record in delivering high-performance racing ICEs under homologation constraints.
  • Deep knowledge of combustion systems, materials science, thermal management, fuel technologies, and hybrid integration.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Familiarity with AVL, Ricardo, GT-Power, MATLAB/Simulink, and CAD/CAE tools.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and optimization of ICE architecture and performance according to technical regulations.
  • Collaborate with hybrid systems and chassis teams for effective integration and system optimization.
  • Drive performance validation through simulations, test programs, and data analysis.
  • Manage technical partnerships and suppliers in ICE-related components and manufacturing.
  • Direct a diverse engineering team specializing in thermodynamics, combustion, and other technical fields.
  • Ensure program milestones meet project schedules and homologation timelines.
  • Establish high-level engineering practices based on competitive standards.

Benefits

  • Bonus scheme
  • Private healthcare
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
  • 32 days of annual leave (including holidays)
  • Free financial advisor access
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Subsidized on-site dining
  • On-site gym
  • Discounted GM vehicle purchase/lease program
  • Free on-site EV charging for personal GM vehicles
Full Job Description
GM Performance Power Units - Concord, NC

Chief Engineer - ICE - Onsite

Job Summary

GM Performance Power Units is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Engineer - Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to lead the design, development, and delivery of the internal combustion engine for our Power Unit Programs. As Chief Engineer, you will own the full lifecycle of ICE technical development, from concept to track deployment, ensuring alignment with regulations, performance targets, and integration into the hybrid powertrain system. This is a rare opportunity to shape the technical DNA of GMPPU's future in elite motorsports.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the ICE architecture, design, performance optimization, and reliability engineering in line with the technical regulations and performance benchmarks.
  • Collaborate closely with hybrid system, ERS, controls, and chassis teams to ensure seamless integration and system-level optimization.
  • Drive performance validation through advanced simulation, test bench programs, dyno testing, and track data analysis.
  • Manage ICE-related technical partnerships and external suppliers (materials, components, manufacturing partners, etc.).
  • Direct a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, including thermodynamics, combustion, mechanical design, calibration, and simulation experts.
  • Ensure delivery of program milestones in alignment with project schedules, cost targets, and homologation timelines.
  • Establish best-in-class engineering practices in line with competitive benchmarks.


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field. Masters degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in ICE design and development, with at least 5 years in a senior engineering leadership role within a high-performance motorsport environment (preferably F1, WEC, IndyCar, or similar).
  • Proven track record of delivering high-performance, high-reliability racing ICEs under homologation constraints.
  • Deep understanding of combustion systems, materials science, thermal management, fuel technologies, and hybrid integration.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
  • Experience with AVL, Ricardo, GT-Power, MATLAB/Simulink, and relevant CAD/CAE tools.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience developing a F1, WEC, IndyCar, or similar power unit, with a strong understanding of regulatory and technical constraints.
  • Familiarity with biofuels, advanced turbocharging, energy recovery systems (ERS), and hybrid controls strategy.
  • Strategic thinker with an innovative mindset and the ability to influence stakeholders across engineering, racing operations, and executive leadership.


Ready to be part of a team that pushes boundaries both on and off the track? At GM Performance Power Units, we are developing a new era of performance for the Formula 1 grid. Joining us means entering a startup racing environment backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, giving you the rare opportunity to help build a world-class program from day one. We believe in rewarding innovation and powering potential. As part of our team, you'll benefit from a competitive and comprehensive package designed to support your performance, well-being, and future, helping you thrive at every level.

That includes access to:

  • Bonus scheme
  • Private healthcare
  • 401(k) plan including company match
  • Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
  • 32 days annual leave (including holidays)
  • Free financial advisor access
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Subsidized on-site dining
  • On-site gym
  • Discounted GM vehicle purchase/lease program
  • Free on-site EV charging for personal GM vehicles


It's all part of our commitment to creating a workplace that's as high-performing and forward-thinking as the people who make it succeed.

Join us and help power what's next.

Why Join Us

You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and performance of a next-generation Formula 1 power unit. Our culture rewards precision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance.

Only direct hires need apply to or inquire about job postings at GM Performance Power Units. We are not accepting calls, resumes or applications from recruiting firms at this time.

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