ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Combustion Engine Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LiquidPiston

Chief Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

... engine development programs or complex mechanical systems. * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (MS or PhD strongly preferred). * Deep expertise in combustion engines ...

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Chief Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

... engine development programs or complex mechanical systems. * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (MS or PhD strongly preferred). * Deep expertise in combustion engines ...

Vast

Combustion Devices Engineer II

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Vast is looking for a Combustion Devices Engineer II , reporting to the Senior Manager of E-2 ... engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help complete the flight engine ...

Amentum

Engine Lab Test Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

... development and testing Preferred Qualifications: * Working knowledge of internal combustion engine * Working knowledge of internal fluid flow mechanics * Working knowledge of basic chemistry

Vast

Combustion Devices Engineer II

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

Vast is looking for a Combustion Devices Engineer II , reporting to the Senior Manager of E-2 ... engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help complete the flight engine ...

Vast

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA

$86K - $120K/yr

... combustion engine. * Plan and lead hazardous operations including work with high pressures and cryogenic fluids. * Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns ...

Reliance One

Design Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI

$50 - $55/hr

... in internal combustion engine design and development to support an industry-leading automotive manufacturer. This role is ideal for an engineer with hands-on engine experience who enjoys ...

Ilmor

Racing Development Engineer

Plymouth, MI

Provide trackside support for race, test, and development events, ensuring optimal engine ... Minimum of five years of experience working in an internal combustion engine-focused engineering ...

New

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsCombustion Engine Development Jobs

Combustion Engine Development information

See salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do combustion engine development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for combustion engine development in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Combustion Engine Development vs Internal Combustion Engine Design?

AspectCombustion Engine DevelopmentInternal Combustion Engine Design
CredentialsMechanical Engineering degree, certifications in engine testingMechanical Engineering degree, certifications in CAD and engine analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, testing facilities, manufacturing plantsDesign studios, CAD labs, prototype workshops
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, power generationAutomotive, small engine manufacturing, research institutions

Combustion Engine Development focuses on the entire process of creating and testing engines, including prototyping and performance evaluation. Internal Combustion Engine Design primarily involves designing engine components and systems using CAD tools. While both roles require mechanical engineering expertise, development emphasizes testing and validation, whereas design centers on creating efficient engine layouts.

What is combustion engine development?

Combustion engine development refers to the process of designing, testing, and improving internal combustion engines, which are commonly used in vehicles, machinery, and power generation. This field involves optimizing engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions by working on components such as pistons, cylinders, fuel systems, and exhaust systems. Engineers in this area use advanced simulation tools, prototype testing, and data analysis to ensure engines meet regulatory and performance standards. The work also includes adapting engines to new fuels and integrating advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in combustion engine development, and how are they addressed within the team?

Professionals in Combustion Engine Development often encounter challenges such as meeting strict emissions regulations, optimizing fuel efficiency, and integrating new technologies. These challenges are typically addressed through close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including design engineers, software specialists, and testing personnel. Regular team meetings, data-driven problem solving, and iterative prototyping help ensure innovative solutions and compliance with industry standards. Additionally, professionals are encouraged to stay current with evolving technologies and regulatory requirements to remain competitive in this dynamic field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in combustion engine development?

Success in Combustion Engine Development requires a strong background in mechanical or automotive engineering, thermodynamics, and internal combustion theory, typically backed by a relevant degree. Proficiency with CAD software, engine simulation tools, and emissions testing systems is commonly expected, along with experience in industry-standard certifications like Six Sigma or ISO standards. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for innovating efficient engines, meeting regulatory standards, and ensuring reliable performance in a highly technical and collaborative environment.
More about Combustion Engine Development jobs
What states have the most Combustion Engine Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Combustion Engine Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Combustion Engine Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Combustion Engine Development jobs are:
Combustion Engine Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combustion Engine Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,925 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Senior Combustion Engineer

Mach Industries

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$155K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

About Mach Industries
Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.
Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.
The Role
The Combustion Engineer is responsible for the research, design, development, testing, and optimization of advanced combustion systems supporting air-breathing propulsion systems. This role applies expertise in combustion science, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer to evaluate combustion performance, improve efficiency, and enhance system reliability. The engineer collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to conduct experimental investigations, analyze complex thermal-fluid phenomena, validate combustion hardware, and support the development of next-generation propulsion technologies. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, experience with experimental testing and data analysis, and the ability to translate research findings into practical engineering solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and optimize combustion systems for gas turbine engines, propulsion systems, and advanced energy applications.
  • Plan, execute, and analyze laboratory and engine-level combustion experiments to evaluate combustion efficiency, flame stability, emissions, ignition performance, and thermal characteristics.
  • Investigate combustion dynamics, turbulent reacting flows, and combustion instability mechanisms using experimental and analytical techniques.
  • Perform thermal-fluid analyses to improve combustor performance, fuel-air mixing, cooling effectiveness, and emissions reduction.
  • Develop experimental test plans, define instrumentation requirements, and support combustion rig and engine testing activities.
  • Analyze large experimental datasets using statistical methods and advanced signal processing techniques.
  • Correlate experimental findings with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and analytical models to improve design accuracy.
  • Support root cause investigations involving combustion performance, operability, emissions, and hardware durability.
  • Collaborate with design engineering, systems engineering, manufacturing, test engineering, and program management teams to develop combustion hardware.
  • Prepare engineering reports, technical presentations, design documentation, and test summaries for internal and customer reviews.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations for combustor improvements and new technology development.
  • Support qualification, verification, and validation activities for combustion components and systems. Support operability modeling and verification testing.
  • Stay current on emerging combustion technologies, sustainable fuels, emissions regulations, and propulsion advancements.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Master's or Ph.D. preferred with specialization in Combustion, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Aerospace Propulsion, or Thermal Sciences.
  • 4+ years of experience in combustion research, propulsion systems, thermal-fluid sciences, or related engineering disciplines.
  • Strong understanding of, Combustion fundamentals, Fluid mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat transfer, Turbulent reacting flows, Gas turbine combustion
  • Experience designing and conducting combustion experiments.
  • Experience analyzing experimental combustion data and interpreting test results.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools.
  • Experience with laboratory instrumentation, pressure measurements, temperature measurements, and high-speed data acquisition systems.
  • Experience using ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or other CFD software. Ability to correlate computational CAE predictions with experimental data.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting aerospace propulsion or gas turbine engine development.
  • Knowledge of combustion instability, flame dynamics, and combustion acoustics.
  • Experience with advanced data analysis methods such as Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), Spectral POD (SPOD), Fourier analysis, or modal decomposition techniques.
  • Experience with optical combustion diagnostics, particle image velocimetry (PIV), laser diagnostics, or flow visualization.
  • Experience with combustion rig testing or engine validation programs.
  • Knowledge of aerospace industry standards and product development processes.
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and uncertainty analysis.

Disclosures
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach's total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you'd like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

Apply