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Chief Automotive Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GMPPU

Chief Engineer - ICE

Concord, NC · On-site

As Chief Engineer, you will own the full lifecycle of ICE technical development, from concept to ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.

Auberge Collection

Chief Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Minimum of five years' experience as a Chief Engineer in a hospitality field. * Proven leadership ... spanning automotive, entertainment, hospitality, investments, and sports. Founded in 1969 and ...

Commodore Perry Estate

Chief Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Minimum of five years' experience as a Chief Engineer in a hospitality field. * Proven leadership ... spanning automotive, entertainment, hospitality, investments, and sports. Founded in 1969 and ...

Auberge Collection

Chief Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Minimum of five years' experience as a Chief Engineer in a hospitality field. * Proven leadership ... spanning automotive, entertainment, hospitality, investments, and sports. Founded in 1969 and ...

GRIMM

Chief Engineer - TS/SCI

Quantico, VA · On-site

Chief Engineer We're searching for Chief Engineer to support the client's tactical and strategic ... automobiles, planes, drones, energy, and mobile. This is not your ordinary company! This is a ...

GRIMM

Chief Engineer - TS/SCI

Quantico, VA · On-site

Chief Engineer We're searching for Chief Engineer to support the client's tactical and strategic ... automobiles, planes, drones, energy, and mobile. This is not your ordinary company! This is a ...

Quest Global

Chief Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor ... The Chief Engineer will lead technical aspects of opportunities, proposals, and projects. Ensure ...

Quest Global

Chief Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor ... The Chief Engineer will lead technical aspects of opportunities, proposals, and projects. Ensure ...

Quest Global

Chief Engineer

Indianapolis, IN

$120K - $150K/yr

... defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor ... The Chief Engineer will lead technical aspects of opportunities, proposals, and projects. Ensure ...

Quest Global

Chief Engineer

Indianapolis, IN

$120K - $150K/yr

... defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor ... The Chief Engineer will lead technical aspects of opportunities, proposals, and projects. Ensure ...

Maple Aviation

Chief Engineer - Drone and Delivery SystemThe Role We are an innovative aerospace startup seeking a ... robotics, automotive, or other safety-critical hardware/software systems * Proven experience ...

Highgate Hotels

Chief Engineer

Richmond Hill, GA

The hotel will celebrate the nostalgia of American automobile travel through curated art, artifacts ... The Chief Engineer is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the engineering division. In the ...

JOST International

Chief Engineer MI

Grand Haven, MI · On-site

Jost International is a leading Tier 1 supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Chief Engineer to lead a team in the design ...

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Chief Automotive Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

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How much do chief automotive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief automotive engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief automotive engineer do?

A Chief Automotive Engineer oversees the design, development, and production of vehicles within an automotive company. They lead engineering teams, coordinate with other departments, and ensure that vehicles meet safety, quality, and performance standards. Their responsibilities also include managing budgets, setting project timelines, and staying informed about emerging automotive technologies and regulations. Ultimately, they play a key role in bringing innovative and reliable vehicles to market.

How does a chief automotive engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the vehicle development process?

A Chief Automotive Engineer plays a central role in coordinating efforts between design, production, quality assurance, procurement, and marketing teams throughout the vehicle development lifecycle. They facilitate regular meetings to ensure technical specifications align with project goals and customer expectations. Effective collaboration involves resolving technical challenges, integrating feedback from various departments, and maintaining open communication to keep the project on track. Their leadership ensures all teams work cohesively towards delivering innovative and reliable vehicles within budget and time constraints.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief automotive engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Automotive Engineer, you need deep expertise in automotive engineering principles, project management, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by advanced education or professional licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, vehicle simulation tools, and industry standards such as ISO/TS 16949 is typically required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for directing teams and collaborating across departments. These abilities are essential for delivering innovative, high-quality vehicles while managing complex projects and meeting industry demands.

What is the difference between Chief Automotive Engineer vs Automotive Design Engineer?

AspectChief Automotive EngineerAutomotive Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Industrial Design Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D, overseeing engineering teams, project managementDesign studios, CAD labs, collaboration with engineers and manufacturers
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, R&D centers, engineering firmsAutomotive manufacturers, design studios, consultancy firms

The Chief Automotive Engineer focuses on leading engineering projects, overseeing development, and ensuring technical standards. In contrast, the Automotive Design Engineer specializes in creating vehicle concepts, designing components, and working on the aesthetic and functional aspects of vehicle design. Both roles require engineering knowledge, but the Chief Automotive Engineer has a broader leadership and project management scope, while the Design Engineer concentrates on the creative and technical design process.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Automotive Engineer jobs?

For Chief Automotive Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Automotive Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer - ICE

Concord, NC • On-site

GM Performance Power Units
See more jobs at GM Performance Power Unitsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

GM Performance Power Units - Concord, NC
Chief Engineer - ICE - Onsite
Job Summary
GM Performance Power Units is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Engineer - Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to lead the design, development, and delivery of the internal combustion engine for our Power Unit Programs. As Chief Engineer, you will own the full lifecycle of ICE technical development, from concept to track deployment, ensuring alignment with regulations, performance targets, and integration into the hybrid powertrain system. This is a rare opportunity to shape the technical DNA of GMPPU's future in elite motorsports.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the ICE architecture, design, performance optimization, and reliability engineering in line with the technical regulations and performance benchmarks.
  • Collaborate closely with hybrid system, ERS, controls, and chassis teams to ensure seamless integration and system-level optimization.
  • Drive performance validation through advanced simulation, test bench programs, dyno testing, and track data analysis.
  • Manage ICE-related technical partnerships and external suppliers (materials, components, manufacturing partners, etc.).
  • Direct a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, including thermodynamics, combustion, mechanical design, calibration, and simulation experts.
  • Ensure delivery of program milestones in alignment with project schedules, cost targets, and homologation timelines.
  • Establish best-in-class engineering practices in line with competitive benchmarks.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field. Masters degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in ICE design and development, with at least 5 years in a senior engineering leadership role within a high-performance motorsport environment (preferably F1, WEC, IndyCar, or similar).
  • Proven track record of delivering high-performance, high-reliability racing ICEs under homologation constraints.
  • Deep understanding of combustion systems, materials science, thermal management, fuel technologies, and hybrid integration.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
  • Experience with AVL, Ricardo, GT-Power, MATLAB/Simulink, and relevant CAD/CAE tools.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience developing a F1, WEC, IndyCar, or similar power unit, with a strong understanding of regulatory and technical constraints.
  • Familiarity with biofuels, advanced turbocharging, energy recovery systems (ERS), and hybrid controls strategy.
  • Strategic thinker with an innovative mindset and the ability to influence stakeholders across engineering, racing operations, and executive leadership.

Ready to be part of a team that pushes boundaries both on and off the track? At GM Performance Power Units, we are developing a new era of performance for the Formula 1 grid. Joining us means entering a startup racing environment backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, giving you the rare opportunity to help build a world-class program from day one. We believe in rewarding innovation and powering potential. As part of our team, you'll benefit from a competitive and comprehensive package designed to support your performance, well-being, and future, helping you thrive at every level.
That includes access to:
  • Bonus scheme
  • Private healthcare
  • 401(k) plan including company match
  • Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
  • 32 days annual leave (including holidays)
  • Free financial advisor access
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Subsidized on-site dining
  • On-site gym
  • Discounted GM vehicle purchase/lease program
  • Free on-site EV charging for personal GM vehicles

It's all part of our commitment to creating a workplace that's as high-performing and forward-thinking as the people who make it succeed.
Join us and help power what's next.
Why Join Us
You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and performance of a next-generation Formula 1 power unit. Our culture rewards precision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance.
Please note: GM Performance Power Units and all affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity employer(s). 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.
Only direct hires need apply to or inquire about job postings at GM Performance Power Units. We are not accepting calls, resumes or applications from recruiting firms at this time.

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