Formula 1 Technical Specialist - ICE Gear Drive & Damper

GM Performance Power Units; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GM Performance Power Units is seeking an ICE Gear Drive & Damper Technical Specialist in Concord, North Carolina. You will lead the design and analysis of gear drive systems and engage in engineering tasks that optimize engine components.

We seek candidates with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years in high-performance engines. This role offers the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and contribute directly to race results and industry-leading practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in high-level racing engine parts.
• Understanding of materials and mechanical loading.
• Experience in engine gear drive and damper design.

Responsibilities

• Direct the design of engine gear drive systems.
• Oversee analysis of performance targets.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Engine gear drive design

Damper design

Mechanical Engineering

Problem-solving skills

Communications skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

GT-suite

Job description

ICE Gear Drive & Damper Technical Specialist
Location: Concord, North Carolina, USA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Expert-Level

Role Summary

GM Performance Power Units is seeking an ICE Gear drive & Damper Technical Specialist to join our Power Unit team in Concord, North Carolina, USA. In this role, you will utilize your skills across engine design, engineering, manufacturing, supplier engagement, simulation, and analysis activities to support the design, validation, reliability and optimization of high-performance engine components and systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct the design and execution of the engine gear drive system including:
  • Camshafts
  • Pump systems
  • ERS
  • Auxiliary drives
• Direct design and analysis execution of entire gear drive system to meet performance targets within stress, stiffness, mass, and cost targets
• Direct design and analysis execution of any dampers required in these systems or elsewhere in the engine
• Direct design and analysis execution of required roller bearings
• Work as a subject matter expert for all systems within GMPPU in the following areas:
  • Gear drives
  • Dampers
  • Roller bearings
• Direct gear drive and/or damper system design and engineering work done by outside partners
• Determine testing requirements to confirm performance and reliability to objectives for each component and the entire system
• Determine testing requirements to quality check components and/or system upon receipt and/or prior to use in testing or engine build
• Accept responsibility to address inquiries from GMPPU leadership and/or other colleagues regarding performance and reliability of this system
• Mentor junior designers and engineers within GMPPU as requested by leadership
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, ensuring technical accuracy, feasibility, and compliance with engineering standards.
• Support adherence to the program plan, meeting milestones, deliverables, and technical objectives, while effectively communicating progress, risks, and mitigation strategies to leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience in a similar field or environment working with high level racing engine parts and sub-systems
• Experience or understanding in:
  • Engine gear drive and damper design, manufacturing, and tolerancing
• Siemens NX preferred
• Background with specific engine design tools such as GT-suite or equivalent
• Sound knowledge of engineering fundamentals and first-principles problem solving
• Understanding of materials, structural behavior, and thermal/mechanical loading
• Excellent problem-solving skills, analytical mindset, and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and information-sharing skills along with the ability to engage and influence teams ensuring clarity of objectives and alignment across leadership and engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated development of junior engineers.

By joining GM Performance Power Units, you will:

• Support delivery of engine performance requirements and improvements directly impacting race results
• Contribute to the development of industry-leading design and engineering practices and execution
• Gain experience in a fast-paced engineering environment where innovation and execution drives success
• Work in a team that prioritizes and rewards passion, precision, and the pursuit of motorsport excellence