Director Engineering- Internal Combustion Engine New Technology Introduction, Analysis and Simulation

generac; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac is seeking a Director of Engineering for Internal Combustion Engine Technology to shape the organization's technical direction. The role leads teams in advanced engine analysis, simulation, and model-based development to improve performance, emissions, and reliability while aligning investments with customer needs.

The leader will drive a culture of innovation, build high-performing teams, and translate complex engineering work into strategic business decisions across global product

Qualifications

• BS in mechanical or electrical engineering required.
• 15 years of progressive engineering experience related to internal combustion engines.
• 7 years of management experience.

Responsibilities

• Designs and directs the work of the functional area, coaching and developing the team.
• Sets objectives aligned with strategy and inspires the team.
• Establishes vision and strategy for world-class engine engineering.
• Drives results for industrial/commercial markets and coordinates with planning and NPD teams.
• Fosters an innovation-driven culture with accountability and continuous improvement.
• Leads advanced engine analysis, simulation, modeling, and data-driven engineering.
• Ensures standardized modeling workflows and analysis practices across the department.

Education

BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

GT-SUITE

GT-xCHEM

CHEMKIN

Converge

Ansys Fluent

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

CFD

FEA

Predictive analytics

Job description

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?

The Director Engineering- Internal Combustion Engine New Technology Introduction, Analysis and Simulation will shape the future of engine technology by building a high-performing engineering organization, advancing engine technologies, and translating simulation and test insights into products that deliver measurable customer and business value.

The Director of Engineering for Internal Combustion Engine Technology leads teams that develop and mature advanced engine technologies. The role sets technical strategy across engine hardware, controls, benchmarking, cost optimization, and advanced analysis and simulation. This leader guides technologies through progressive technology readiness levels (TRL) by integrating competitive benchmarking, design, prototyping, physical testing, and model-based development. The position also establishes analysis and simulation capabilities and processes that support technology introduction and new product development. Success requires deep technical expertise in internal combustion engines, a record of building and leading high-performing engineering teams, and the ability to translate complex engineering work into clear business and product decisions. The organization combines physical testing with 1-D and 3-D simulation, CFD, FEA, in-cylinder combustion modeling, MATLAB/Simulink, Python-based analytics, machine learning, and co-simulation to improve engine performance, emissions, thermal and structural reliability, cost, and development speed to market. Working closely with business leaders and partners in service, operations, supply chain, and finance, this leader aligns technology investments with customer needs and commercial priorities. The Director also develops and implements disciplined engineering methods that deliver superior products while fostering innovation, creativity, technical excellence, and accountability across the organization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related degree;
• 15 years of progressive engineering experience related to internal combustion engines
• 7 years management experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree or PhD in related field preferred but not required.
• Experience in industrial/commercial products environment.
• Experience with global product releases throughout the entire product life cycle desired.
• Advanced experience leading engine analysis, simulation, or development teams supporting internal combustion engine and/or generator platforms.
• Expertise in advanced technology engine development, prototype, and testing.
• Expertise in internal combustion engine hardware, controls, and emissions.
• Experience with engine and engine system simulation tools and methods, including GT-SUITE, GT-xCHEM, CHEMKIN, Converge, Ansys Fluent, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, CFD, FEA, and predictive analytics or similar industry tools.
• Experience using advanced simulation insights to influence product roadmaps, power cylinder optimization, emissions strategy, thermal management, aftertreatment design, and system validation priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Designs and directs the work of the functional area. Selects, coaches, and develops the team, setting objectives that align with company strategy to inspire and motivate the team.
• Manages organizational talent through performance management, succession planning and development.
• Designs and directs processes by which team and individual performance are recognized, feedback is consistently delivered and performance is systematically improved.
• Establishes the vision and strategy to drive world-class excellence within the global engines engineering team, including advanced engine analysis, simulation, modeling, and data-driven engineering capabilities that support internal combustion engine design and development.
• Drives results that are specifically targeted to the industrial/commercial market and leads processes with corporate planning and new product development teams.
• Creates and maintains an organizational culture which encourages innovation, collaboration, excitement/commitment and a sense of urgency toward goals, and continuous improvement.
• Challenges team members to question the status quo and ensure that all aspects of the design, development, simulation, validation, and support process are optimal for the engine generator market.
• Effectively manage the development process, including time compression techniques, design/application standards for improved repeatability, global process alignment, and standardized modeling workflows and analysis best practices that improve simulation efficiency and accuracy. Lead departm