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Combustion Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking to add a Combustion Devices Engineer II to our team. In this role, you will work across the full hardware lifecycle from early concepts and CAD models through manufacturing, test ...

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Role Overview Our Lead Combustion Engineer serves as the technical authority pioneering our rocket-inspired, high-pressure oxy-fuel combustion systems - integral in delivering carbon-neutral and ...

A Combustion Engineer job is currently available at Belcan in Indianapolis, IN. This job is a full-time position with benefits. In this job, you will support multiple gas turbine engine design ...

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Combustion information

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$11K

$88.2K

$131K

How much do combustion jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion in the United States is $88,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Combustion position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Combustion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, deep knowledge of thermodynamics and combustion processes, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software like ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB, and proficiency in combustion analysis tools are typically required, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills enable success in cross-functional project environments. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative solutions for combustion systems in industries like power generation and automotive engineering.

What are some typical challenges combustion engineers face in their daily work?

Combustion engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing fuel efficiency while minimizing emissions, troubleshooting complex system malfunctions, and staying up to date with evolving environmental regulations. They may need to balance theoretical designs with real-world constraints in manufacturing and operational settings. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, they are often involved in root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance performance and safety. Successfully navigating these challenges helps drive innovation and effectiveness in combustion-related projects.

What is a Combustion job?

A Combustion job typically involves working with combustion systems, such as engines, furnaces, boilers, or turbines, to ensure efficient fuel burning and emissions control. Professionals in this field may design, test, maintain, and troubleshoot combustion equipment in industries like automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. They often analyze fuel performance, optimize combustion processes, and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

More about Combustion jobs
What cities are hiring for Combustion jobs? Cities with the most Combustion job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Combustion jobs? The most popular types of Combustion jobs are:
What states have the most Combustion jobs? States with the most job openings for Combustion jobs include:
Infographic showing various Combustion job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,214 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Virtual Propulsion Engineer-3D Combustion, Airflow, Exhaust

Virtual Propulsion Engineer-3D Combustion, Airflow, Exhaust

General Motors

Pontiac, MI • Hybrid

Other

Posted 20 days ago


General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 303 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers


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-. 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