ICE Gear Drive & Damper Technical Specialist

GMPPU; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

GMPPU in Concord, North Carolina is seeking an ICE Gear Drive & Damper Technical Specialist to join our Power Unit team. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in engine design and engineering to optimize high-performance engine components.

Your responsibilities encompass directing design efforts, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring performance targets are met. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience are required. This position plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of our next-generation Formula 1 power unit.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in high-level racing engine parts and subsystems.
• Strong understanding of engine gear drive and damper design.
• Experience with materials behavior and structural response.

Responsibilities

• Direct design and execution of engine gear drive system.
• Lead analysis of complete gear drive systems for performance targets.
• Define testing requirements for components and systems.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical thinking

Mechanical Engineering knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

GT-Suite or equivalent engine design tools

Job description

Formula 1 Technical Specialist - ICE Gear Drive & Damper

Concord, NC, USA

Job Description

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

As a subject matter expert for gear drive, damper, and roller bearing systems within GMPPU, you will direct the design and analysis of critical engine subsystems that influence performance, durability, packaging, stiffness, stress, mass, and cost targets. You will also support external partner engineering work, testing strategy development, technical issue resolution, and mentorship of junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the design and execution of the engine gear drive system, including camshafts, pump systems, ERS interfaces, and auxiliary drives.
• Lead the design and analysis of complete gear drive systems to achieve performance targets within stress, stiffness, mass, durability, and cost constraints.
• Direct the design and analysis of dampers used in these systems or elsewhere in the engine.
• Direct the design and analysis of required roller bearings.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for gear drives, dampers, and roller bearings across GMPPU.
• Guide and review gear drive and damper engineering work completed by outside partners.
• Define testing requirements to verify performance, reliability, and quality for components and full systems.
• Establish incoming quality checks for components and systems prior to testing or engine build.
• Respond to technical inquiries from GMPPU leadership and cross-functional colleagues regarding system performance and reliability.
• Mentor junior designers and engineers as requested by leadership.
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, ensuring technical accuracy, feasibility, and alignment with engineering standards.
• Support program execution by meeting milestones, deliverables, and technical objectives while communicating progress, risks, and mitigation actions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role or environment working with high‑level racing engine parts and subsystems.
• Experience or strong understanding of engine gear drive and damper design, manufacturing, and tolerancing.
• Experience or strong understanding of GT‑Suite or equivalent engine design and simulation tools.
• Experience or strong understanding of engineering fundamentals and first‑principles problem solving.
• Experience or strong understanding of materials behavior, structural response, and thermal/mechanical loading.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, analytical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and information‑sharing skills with the ability to influence and align leadership and engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Formula 1, motorsport, or other high‑performance racing engine environments.
• Familiarity with highly regulated, performance‑driven engineering programs.
• Strong collaboration skills across design, analysis, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Proven ability to balance technical rigor with delivery against aggressive program timelines.

Why Join Us

You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the performance and reliability of a next‑generation Formula 1 power unit. Our culture rewards precision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance.

GM Performance Power Units and all affiliated companies are an Equal Opportunity employer. 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.