Cylinder Head Technician

General Motors; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan is seeking a Cylinder Head Technician to support race engine programs in the Performance and Racing Center. You will machine components to exact specs and modify ports and chambers to meet performance targets.

This onsite role requires 2+ years in high-performance machining, CNC Newen, valve work, and precision measurement. Weekend shifts may be required, and safety and environmental standards are emphasized.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with high-performance, racing, and prototype machining operations.
• Able to program and run CNC Newen single-point equipment.
• Able to set up Serdi cutters for valve jobs and cut seats out of cylinder heads.
• Able to set up and run a flow bench for flowing various cylinder heads, intake systems, exhaust manifolds, and restrictors.
• Experience honing valve guides and setting up measuring tools.
• Experience porting heads and performing development work on new raw castings.
• Able to read and work from blueprints and use precision measuring devices.

Responsibilities

• Machine high-performance, prototype, and racing engine components to exact specifications.
• Develop and modify cylinder-head ports and combustion chambers to meet performance and engineering requirements.
• Perform preventative and routine maintenance of machines, including changing filters, keeping machines clean, and tracking service records.
• Record and track data collected or analyzed.
• Maintain good housekeeping and alignment with environmental requirements.

Skills

High-performance machining

CNC Newen programming

Valve job setup

Flow bench operation

Blueprint reading

Measuring tools

Porting heads

Physical tolerance

Tools

CNC Newen

Serdi cutters

Flow bench

Micrometers & calipers

Job description

Job Description At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

We are seeking a Cylinder Head Technician to join our Performance and Racing Center to primarily support various Race Engine Programs and the Chevrolet Performance Parts team. This opportunity is a good fit for a qualified individual interested in high-performance and prototype engines and who has a passion for racing!

What You’ll Do

• Machine high-performance, prototype, and racing engine components to exact specifications.
• Develop and modify cylinder-head ports and combustion chambers to meet performance and engineering requirements.
• Perform preventative and routine maintenance of machines, including changing filters, keeping machines clean, and tracking service records.
• Record and track data collected or analyzed.
• Maintain good housekeeping and alignment with environmental requirements.

Additional Success Factors

Include Excellent attention to detail. Strong knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, methods, and standard practices of the trade. Solid appreciation of the importance of completing tasks on time. Outstanding interpersonal and relationship leadership skills to effectively collaborate with varying levels of the organization as needed. Consistently demonstrates innovative thinking that is customer centric. Must be adaptable to a changing work environment and competing demands. Available to work alternative shift schedules, including weekends.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• 2+ years of experience with high-performance, racing, and prototype machining operations.
• Able to program and run CNC Newen single-point equipment.
• Able to set up Serdi cutters for valve jobs and cut seats out of cylinder heads.
• Able to set up and run a flow bench for flowing various cylinder heads, intake systems, exhaust manifolds, and restrictors.
• Experience honing valve guides and setting up measuring tools.
• Experience porting heads and performing development work on new raw castings.
• Knowledge of how to install seats and guides and determine the required press fit.
• Experience grinding valves, fully inspecting cylinder heads, working with CNC equipment on porting and chambers, and checking valve springs.
• Able to read and work from blueprints.
• Strong mechanical abilities and proficiency with typical measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, torque wrenches, and other tools commonly used in engine-build and machine shops.
• Experience with engine-related machining operations, multi-angle valve-seat machining, and valve grinding.
• Able to perform physical duties involving standing, sitting, and lifting up to 50 pounds, using the upper body, arms, and hands to pull on wrenches used in the machining process.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• 5+ years of experience with high-performance, racing, and prototype machining operations.
• 3+ years of experience porting heads and performing development work on new raw castings.
• GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).
• This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.
• This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

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