Senior Performance Engineer

INNIO; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 123,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Life insurance and long‑term disabled

401(k) retirement savings

Job summary

INNIO Group is seeking a Senior Engineer, Combustion Engine Performance to design, develop, and optimize advanced engine technologies to meet performance, efficiency, and regulatory requirements. The role leads product development efforts and ensures alignment across functions and sites to deliver high‑performance energy solutions.

Responsibilities include leading performance development and validation activities at test benches in Houston and at customer sites, supporting engine commissioning,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in the performance development and validation of internal combustion engines.
• Ability to travel ~60% to customer and project sites, including rural or remote locations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead and execute performance development and validation activities at test benches in Houston and at customer sites.
• Support engine commissioning and troubleshooting at customer site.
• Analyze and resolve technical challenges encountered by project teams at customer locations.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and present technical data to guide decisions.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About INNIO Group:

INNIO Group is a global distributed energy solutions provider that delivers reliable, flexible, transient, decentralized, modular and efficient power. With a track record of innovation, INNIO designs, manufactures and services high‑performance power systems under its Jenbacher and Waukesha brands. The company delivers power for applications including data centers, microgrids, grid stabilization, industrial energy and gas compression. INNIO employs over 5,000 people worldwide and is committed to moving energy forward.

Role Summary:

The Senior Engineer, Combustion Engine Performance will specialize in combustion engine performance, focusing on the design, development, and optimization of advanced engine technologies to meet performance, efficiency, and regulatory requirements. In this role, the engineer will lead and execute product development activities, ensure technical alignment across functions and sites, and drive innovation within this critical domain. This position plays a key role in delivering high-performance solutions that support business and customer objectives.

Essential Responsibilities:

Technical Expertise, Ownership and Accountability

• Plan, lead, and execute performance development and validation activities at test bench in Houston and at customer sites
• Support engine commissioning and troubleshooting at customer site
• Analyze and resolve technical challenges encountered by project teams at customer locations
• Communicate effectively and deliver actionable recommendations through the analysis, preparation, and presentation of technical data to internal and external INNIO stakeholders
• Contribute to innovation by generating ideas for improved products, systems, and technologies, and support the creation of INNIO intellectual property

Planning and Project Management

• Set up and execute project & validation activities and monitor the status with involved parties to serve the needs of the business and the customer
• Define and execute work packages and tasks to improve products and technologies, support the planning process and analyze skill gaps within the business
• Support the Service Organization through technical training and expertise

Collaboration

• Foster an open and communicative team environment that encourages diverse perspectives and values critical‑to‑quality (CTQ) considerations
• Improve project efficiency through appropriate methods and processes – reducing duplication, minimizing handovers, and promoting task ownership
• Provide support and collaboration across internal engineering teams and external partners
• Act as a point of contact and facilitator for development teams in the USA and Europe
• Perform other related duties as assigned to assist with successful operations and business continuity.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Proven experience in the performance development and validation of internal combustion engines
• Proficiency in engineering tools and methodologies, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated project management capabilities to manage complex performance validation tasks and technically guide cross functional project teams
• Must be able to travel approximately 60% to customer and project sites, including rural or remote locations that may require independent transportation arrangements, such as a rental vehicle or other reliable means of transportation. Occasional international travel may be required.
• Must be physically able to safely navigate large project and customer sites, which may include walking and standing for extended periods, climbing ladders, accessing equipment, and occasionally bending, kneeling, crouching, or stooping to inspect or access equipment from various positions.
• Must be able to work in both office and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions, and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with applicable site safety requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Desired Characteristics:

• Experience in the power generation, energy, oil & gas, industrial equipment, or other related heavy industrial industries is preferred.
• Experience with reciprocating engines or comparable heavy industrial and energy‑related equipment is preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead, coordinate, and support engineers, technical experts, and external suppliers while influencing others, navigating conflict, setting expectations, and aligning globally diverse teams toward common goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present technical information and collaborate with customers, senior management, and global cross‑functional teams.
• Hands‑on approach with a willingness and ability to work directly with engines and support activities at customer sites.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset with the ability to evaluate complex technical challenges and develop practical solutions.
• Self‑driven and results‑oriented, with a high degree of technical ownership and a strong say/do mentality.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, team‑oriented approach to managing large, integrated programs and teams.

Compensation Range:

$123,120 - $184,680 per year (Varies depending on relevancy of experience, technical certifications and other job‑related criteria).

What We Offer:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Life insurance and long‑term disability coverage
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Paid time off and 14 paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement savings program

INNIO uses artificial intelligence to help assess applications for this position. This includes an AI‑supported tool that compares résumé information against the job description, and, to the extent applicable for this role, AI‑scored skills assessments provided by a third‑party assessment vendor. The outputs of these tools inform the review of applications by our recruiters, but hiring decisions are made by INNIO’s recruiters and hiring managers. For more information, please see our Job Applicant Privacy Notice and Pre‑Use Notice.

INNIO offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. INNIO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.