Chief Engineer - ICE

GM Performance Power Units; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

401(k) plan including company match

Employer-paid life insurance and-dis­b

32 days annual leave

Free financial advisor access

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Subsidized on-site dining

On-site gym

Discounted GM vehicle purchase/lease

Free on-site EV charging for personal

Job summary

GM Performance Power Units in Concord, NC seeks a Chief Engineer – Internal Combustion Engine to lead ICE design, development, and delivery for our Power Unit Programs, owning full lifecycle from concept to track deployment.

You will coordinate with hybrid system, ERS, controls, and chassis teams, drive validation through simulations, dyno tests, and track data, and manage partnerships with suppliers to meet homologation timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

AVL

Ricardo

GT-Power

MATLAB/Simulink

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

GM Performance Power Units – Concord, NC – Chief Engineer (ICE) – Onsite

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. Master’s 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.

Benefits

• 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.

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.

Please note: GM Performance Power Units and all affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity employer(s). Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf.

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.

Join us and help power what’s next.