Powertrain Design Engineer - Motorsports

Ilmor

$80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • 2+ years in internal combustion engine engineering, including college projects.
  • Strong passion for motorsports and high-performance engineering.
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
  • Demonstrated innovative thought process and technical judgment.
  • High mechanical aptitude and capability, including familiarity with GD&T.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

  • Generate cost-effective and manufacturable design solutions.
  • Develop hardware, calibration, and testing for internal combustion engines.
  • Inform design decisions through knowledge of manufacturing methods.
  • Lead new product development from concept to completion.
  • Collaborate with teams for efficient resource planning and coordination.
  • Optimize components for various performance metrics and functional analysis.
  • Design and maintain CAD models and drawings adhering to GD&T.

Benefits

  • Immediate medical, dental, and vision benefits on day one.
  • 3% Safe Harbor 401(k) contribution from the company.
  • Paid time off per company policy.
Full Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY

As a Powertrain Design Engineer, you will use sound engineering principles and a first-principles approach to design, analyze, and improve high-performance mechanical systems. Your work will play a key role in developing new products and enhancing existing components to ensure top performance, reliability, and competitiveness both on and off the track. By combining advanced engineering theory with practical experience, you will collaborate across teams to solve complex engine challenges and help drive the future of motorsport technology.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Generate highly engineered, creative, cost-effective, and manufacturable solutions.
  • Apply proven engineering abilities in internal combustion engine development, including hardware, calibration, and testing.
  • Use a strong understanding of common manufacturing methods and applications to inform design decisions.
  • Execute new product development and product update activities from concept through completion.
  • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to support effective resource planning and seamless coordination of work activities.
  • Optimize components for performance, mass, packaging, quality, benchmarking, geometry creation, and functional analysis.
  • Design unique engine components and assemblies using CAD software.
  • Create, review, and maintain part drawings to ensure compliance with GD&T standards.
  • Support testing, validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities as needed.
  • Communicate project status, risks, recommendations, and technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams: becoming the "go-to" person for various engine programs.


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education and experience.
  • Minimum of two years of experience working in an internal combustion engine-focused engineering capacity. Experience gained in college (e.g. on an FSAE team or similar) will be considered.
  • Passion for motorsports and high-performance engines.
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
  • Demonstrated innovative thought process and strong technical judgment.
  • High mechanical aptitude and capability.
  • Familiarity with GD&T.
  • Excellent communication skills with a team-player mentality.
  • Integrity, determination, motivation, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience as a member or leader of a collegiate FSAE or Baja engine/powertrain subteam.
  • A maker mentality with interest in fabrication, innovative designs, and practical intuition for high performance.
  • Knowledge of the culture, pace, and commitment required in racing and motorsports.
  • Experience supporting high-performance engine, powertrain, or motorsports product development programs.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, tools, and engineering equipment.
  • Must be able to read drawings, review detailed technical information, and work at a computer for extended periods.
  • May occasionally be required to bend, reach, climb, crouch, or work around vehicles, engines, test equipment, and production areas.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Ability to travel
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • This role is based 100% on-site in Plymouth, Michigan. Hybrid and remote work are not available for this position.
  • Work is performed in office, engineering, manufacturing, shop, test, and motorsports-related environments.
  • The employee may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts, noise, vibration, fuels, oils, and other conditions commonly found in engineering, manufacturing, testing, and racing environments.
  • Use of appropriate personal protective equipment may be required in designated areas.


TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • Expected travel is approximately 10% for attendance at races, events, meetings, and other business needs.
  • Travel may include occasional evenings, weekends, or schedule changes based on business and racing event requirements.


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Day-one benefits, including Medical through Blue Cross Blue Shield with optional Health Savings Account, Dental, and Vision coverage.
  • 3% Safe Harbor 401(k) company contribution.
  • Additional benefits and paid time off are provided in accordance with company policy.
  • Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs.

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