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Engine Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qnergy

Engine Lead

Ogden, UT · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Engineering Team Leadership * Serve as a working lead by maintaining individual engineering design and development responsibilities while leading the Engine Engineering team. * Lead the day-to-day ...

New

Qnergy Inc

Engine Lead

Ogden, UT · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Engineering Team Leadership * Serve as a working lead by maintaining individual engineering design and development responsibilities while leading the Engine Engineering team. * Lead the day-to-day ...

New

Hermeus

Propulsion Development Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

As a Development Engineer on the Propulsion team, you will be responsible for advancing engine ... Own development engine test campaigns from planning through execution and post-test analysis

Hermeus

Propulsion Development Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

As a Development Engineer on the Propulsion team, you will be responsible for advancing engine ... Own development engine test campaigns from planning through execution and post-test analysis

Hermeus

Propulsion Development Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

As a Development Engineer on the Propulsion team, you will be responsible for advancing engine ... Own development engine test campaigns from planning through execution and post-test analysis

Wabtec

Lead Engine Component Engineer

Grove City, PA · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

The Lead Engineer will have technical ownership of upper powertrain components for internal ... The role requires demonstrated experience in reciprocating engine development with componentlevel ...

Wabtec

Lead Engine Component Engineer

Grove City, PA · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

The Lead Engineer will have technical ownership of upper powertrain components for internal ... The role requires demonstrated experience in reciprocating engine development with component-level ...

Wabtec

Lead Engine Component Engineer

Grove City, PA · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

The Lead Engineer will have technical ownership of upper powertrain components for internal ... The role requires demonstrated experience in reciprocating engine development with component-level ...

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Engine Development Engineer information

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$49K

$96.2K

$153.5K

How much do engine development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for engine development engineer in the United States is $96,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Engine Development Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEngine Development EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering; relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentAutomotive or aerospace R&D labs, manufacturing plantsDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, R&D labs
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, heavy machinery industriesManufacturing, product design, engineering firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in engine development, career pathsDesign processes, engineering responsibilities

Engine Development Engineers focus on designing, testing, and refining engines, often working closely with automotive or aerospace companies. Mechanical Design Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical components and systems. While both roles require mechanical engineering credentials and share work environments, their specific responsibilities differ, with Engine Development Engineers specializing in engine performance and development.

How much do engine engineers get paid?

Engine development engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in areas like CAD software or combustion systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

What are some common challenges faced by Engine Development Engineers during prototype testing?

Engine Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected performance deviations, thermal management issues, and meeting stringent emission regulations during prototype testing. These challenges require quick problem-solving, close collaboration with simulation experts, and iterative adjustments to engine design or calibration. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, such as controls engineers and test technicians, is crucial to rapidly diagnose issues and implement solutions. Being adaptable and detail-oriented helps ensure prototypes meet performance and reliability targets before moving to production stages.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Engine Development Engineers can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and simulation tools, and working in high-cost-of-living regions or specialized industries like aerospace or automotive. Achieving this salary often requires senior-level positions, specialized expertise, and sometimes managerial responsibilities.

What does an Engine Development Engineer do?

An Engine Development Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and improving engines for vehicles or machinery. They work on optimizing engine performance, efficiency, and reliability, often using simulation tools and real-world testing. Their tasks can include developing prototype engines, analyzing data, diagnosing issues, and collaborating with other engineers to meet regulatory and performance standards. This role requires strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science, as well as practical engineering skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engine Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engine Development Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or automotive engineering, with expertise in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and combustion processes, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, engine simulation tools, and data acquisition systems, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this field. These skills ensure high-quality engine performance, compliance with regulations, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Engine Development Engineers in senior or specialized roles, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like thermodynamics or control systems, and working in high-demand industries such as aerospace or automotive, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, particularly at large corporations or in leadership positions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Engine Development Engineers in senior or specialized roles at major automotive, aerospace, or technology companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills in systems design, and often a master's or PhD degree in engineering or related fields.
More about Engine Development Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Engine Development Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Engine Development Engineer jobs are:
Engine Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engine Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Engine Lead

Engine Lead

Qnergy

Ogden, UT • On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

New

Job description

Job Summary: The Engine Lead is a hands-on technical leader responsible for the day-to-day leadership of Qnergy's Engine Engineering team while contributing to the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of Qnergy's Stirling engine technology. This role implements the technical direction set by the Chief Engineer by planning and prioritizing engineering work, coordinating cross-functional activities, tracking project execution, and ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule and meet established engineering standards. In addition to managing their own engineering workload, the Engine Lead mentors engineers, removes execution barriers, and promotes collaboration across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations. While the Chief Engineer serves as the technical authority for Stirling engine architecture and science, the Engine Lead must have a strong understanding of engine systems and Stirling engine principles to guide the team effectively and support successful product development.
Responsibilities:
Engineering Team Leadership
  • Serve as a working lead by maintaining individual engineering design and development responsibilities while leading the Engine Engineering team.
  • Lead the day-to-day activities of the Engine Engineering team.
  • Assign, prioritize, and balance engineering workloads.
  • Monitor progress against engineering schedules and project milestones.
  • Mentor and develop engineers through coaching, technical guidance, and performance feedback.
  • Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
  • Support recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and development of engineering staff.
  • Escalate technical issues requiring architectural or scientific decisions to the Chief Engineer.

Engineering Execution
  • Execute the engineering roadmap established technical direction and design standards.
  • Coordinate design activities from concept through validation and production release.
  • Track engineering deliverables and ensure commitments are met.
  • Review engineering documentation for completeness and quality.
  • Coordinate design activities from concept through validation and production release.
  • Track engineering deliverables and ensure commitments are met.
  • Review engineering documentation for completeness and quality.
  • Coordinate engineering change activities.
  • Support prototype builds, testing, validation, and manufacturing implementation.

Project Leadership
  • Lead engineering execution for engine development projects.
  • Develop engineering schedules and resource plans.
  • Coordinate activities between Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations.
  • Identify schedule, resource, and execution risks.
  • Facilitate project meetings and communicate status to engineering leadership.
  • Ensure engineering deliverables support overall program objectives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to improve manufacturability.
  • Support Quality with investigations and corrective actions.
  • Coordinate with Operations during production launch and design changes.
  • Support Supply Chain with supplier technical questions.
  • Assist Program Management with schedule planning and resource forecasting.

Continuous Improvement
  • Improve engineering workflows and team efficiency.
  • Standardize engineering processes and documentation.
  • Support lessons learned and design improvement initiatives.
  • Promote Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and engineering best practices.

Requirements
Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline required.
  • 8+ years of engineering experience focused on engine development, propulsion systems, rotating machinery, thermal systems, or other complex mechanical equipment.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience designing, developing, testing, or supporting internal combustion engines, Stirling engines, turbines, compressors, or comparable engine systems.
  • 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or technical projects.
  • Experience managing engineering resources and project execution.
  • Experience in product development within a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering efforts.
  • Experience building high-performing engineering teams.

Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong understanding of Stirling engine operating principles and thermal systems sufficient to lead engineering execution.
  • Ability to interpret and implement technical direction provided by the Chief Engineer.
  • Strong engineering project management skills.
  • Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities.
  • Proven leadership and coaching skills.
  • Strong understanding of product development processes.
  • Experience with engineering change management.
  • Working knowledge of CAD systems (SolidWorks preferred).
  • Familiarity with FEA, thermal analysis, or engineering simulation tools.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple concurrent engineering projects.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Work Environment:
  • Worl is performed primarily in an office and engineering environment with frequent interaction on the manufacturing floor and in test laboratories.
  • Requires occasional exposure to manufacturing equipment, prototype testing, elevated temperatures, and laboratory environments.
  • Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
  • May occasionally lift or move items up to approximately 25 pounds.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in designated manufacturing and testing areas.

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