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Combustion Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Roush has an immediate opening for a Calibration Engineer II who will be responsible for developing internal combustion engine (ICE) calibrations for future automotive products. Other ...

Roush has an immediate opening for a Calibration Engineer II who will be responsible for developing internal combustion engine (ICE) calibrations for future automotive products. Other ...

Roush has an immediate opening for a Calibration Engineer II who will be responsible for developing internal combustion engine (ICE) calibrations for future automotive products. Other ...

Roush has an immediate opening for a Calibration Engineer II who will be responsible for developing internal combustion engine (ICE) calibrations for future automotive products. Other ...

Technical Value Management (TVM) Engineer ICE Powertrain Cost Reduction The Technical Value Management (TVM) Engineer supports cost-reduction initiatives across Internal Combustion Engine (ICE ...

Technical Value Management (TVM) Engineer ICE Powertrain Cost Reduction The Technical Value Management (TVM) Engineer supports cost-reduction initiatives across Internal Combustion Engine (ICE ...

Technical Value Management (TVM) Engineer ICE Powertrain Cost Reduction The Technical Value Management (TVM) Engineer supports cost-reduction initiatives across Internal Combustion Engine (ICE ...

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Showing results 1-20

Combustion Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$76.9K

$114.2K

How much do combustion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion engineer in Michigan is $76,887.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $78,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Combustion Engineer?

A combustion engineer is skilled in the process of harnessing the energy created by heating up fuel. Job duties include installing combustion systems and testing the equipment once it is operational. A combustion engineer may also have to troubleshoot issues with equipment that is not working correctly. This technology can be found in many heating systems, including in a building or a car. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.

What does a Combustion Engineer do?

A Combustion Engineer specializes in the design, operation, and optimization of systems that burn fuel to produce energy, such as boilers, furnaces, and engines. They analyze combustion processes to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure safety. Their work often involves troubleshooting equipment, developing new combustion technologies, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Combustion Engineers play a critical role in industries like power generation, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Combustion Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Combustion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, with expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion principles, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as ANSYS Fluent or CHEMKIN), emissions testing equipment, and relevant industry certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional professionals apart in this field. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant combustion system design and operation.

What is the difference between Combustion Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCombustion EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in combustion or thermodynamicsEngineering degree, mechanical or related certifications
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial facilities, research labsManufacturing, design firms, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageEnergy, power generation, petrochemicalManufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Combustion Engineers focus on designing and optimizing combustion processes, often working in energy and industrial sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on machinery, systems, and product design across various industries. While both roles require engineering degrees, combustion engineers specialize in combustion systems, whereas mechanical engineers work on mechanical components and systems.

What are some common challenges Combustion Engineers face when optimizing industrial combustion systems?

Combustion Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing efficiency, emissions control, and system safety when optimizing industrial combustion systems. Addressing varying fuel qualities, maintaining equipment reliability, and complying with strict environmental regulations can be demanding. Effective collaboration with process engineers, maintenance teams, and environmental specialists is essential to troubleshoot issues and implement improvements. Staying updated with advancements in combustion technology and control systems also helps in overcoming these challenges and ensuring optimal plant performance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Combustion Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Combustion Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Combustion Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Combustion Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Combustion Engineer jobs in MI? For Combustion Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Combustion Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,887 per year, or $37 per hour.
Virtual Propulsion Engineer-3D Combustion, Airflow, Exhaust

Virtual Propulsion Engineer-3D Combustion, Airflow, Exhaust

General Motors

Pontiac, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


General Motors rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 309 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,227 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
Work Arrangement: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the office three times per week, at minimum.
The Role
General Motors is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engine Performance and Calibration 3D CFD Analyst to join our Engine Performance and Calibration team. This role is critical in shaping the future of internal combustion engine (ICE) technology through high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in engine combustion modeling, fuel injection systems, and emissions control, and will contribute to the design and optimization of next-generation gasoline and diesel combustion chambers.
What You'll Do
  • Design and optimize combustion chamber geometries for improved efficiency, power output, and emissions performance.
  • Simulate and interpret combustion processes, heat transfer, cold start behavior, and catalyst heating strategies.
  • Provide component-level and/or system-level design recommendations to Design Responsible Engineers based on interpretation of analysis results
  • Exercise analytical models for fuel preparation and mixture motion analysis including equivalence ratio and wall wetting
  • Model and analyze fuel injector behavior, spray atomization, spray-wall interaction, and mixture preparation.
  • Exercise analytical models for in-cylinder combustion analysis using 3D CFD codes such as Star-CD, Converge, AVL-Fire, or in-house proprietary software
  • Enhance current standard analysis practices and/or tools to improve prediction fidelity and/or execution speed
  • Participate in product design and development teams and regularly present analysis results to engineering peers and management
  • Document analysis objectives, conclusions, results, and assumptions using a standard report template
  • Cooperatively work with test engineers to enhance laboratory procedures to support the development of first-time capable analysis techniques
  • Stays abreast of new technology and competitive products
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engine design, calibration, controls, and emissions compliance.
  • Validate simulation results with experimental data and iterate designs accordingly.
  • Document and present findings to technical leadership and project stakeholders.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • 5+ years experience with compressible CFD analysis of powertrain-related systems
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field with a focus on internal combustion engines or fluid dynamics
  • 3+ years experience in CFD software (CONVERGE, STAR-CD, STAR-CCM+ ICS or similar) for gasoline or diesel mixture preparation / combustion simulation
  • Highly proficient with ProStar, ICEM, Hypermesh, Tgrid, or equivalent CFD meshing software
  • Highly proficient with Converge, Siemens CCM+ In-Cylinder Solution, StarCD, AVL Fire, or equivalent CFD software
  • Highly proficient with Ensight, ProStar or equivalent CFD post-processing software

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering
  • Proficient in programming (Java, MATLAB, Python), workflow automation, and customization of tools surrounding main vendor software
  • Proficient in application of machine learning, data driven modeling techniques in context of engine simulations
  • Proficient with GT-Power, WAVE, AVL Boost, or equivalent 1D engine simulation software
  • Proficient engine testing, data acquisition and calibration tools (AVL Concerto, Indicom, ETAS)

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits
#LI-LG2
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908