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Engine Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rolls-Royce

Development Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

Development Engineer Working Pattern: Hybrid/Onsite in office 3 days/week Working location ... This position will plan, manage, and develop engine/sub-system certification/qualification plans ...

Rolls Royce

Development Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

Development Engineer Working Pattern: Hybrid/Onsite in office 3 days/week Working location ... This position will plan, manage, and develop engine/sub-system certification/qualification plans ...

Rolls Royce

Development Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

Development Engineer Working Pattern: Hybrid/Onsite in office 3 days/week Working location ... This position will plan, manage, and develop engine/sub-system certification/qualification plans ...

Rolls-Royce

Development Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Development Engineer Working Pattern: Hybrid/Onsite in office 3 days/week Working location ... This position will plan, manage, and develop engine/sub-system certification/qualification plans ...

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 ...

LiquidPiston

Engine Performance Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

As Senior Engineer - Performance & Calibration you will be a key contributor to engine performance development activities aimed at bringing LiquidPiston's rotary engines to production. You will work ...

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All JobsEngine Development Engineer Jobs

Engine Development Engineer information

See salary details

$49K

$96.2K

$153.5K

How much do engine development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Engine Development Engineers can start their careers at any age, as the field values skills, experience, and continuous learning. Many engineers transition into the profession later in life, especially if they have relevant education, technical skills, and certifications such as a degree in engineering or proficiency with CAD and simulation tools.

How much does an engine engineer make?

Engine development engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in CAD, thermodynamics, or certification may earn higher salaries. Compensation can also include bonuses and benefits based on company and project scope.

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.

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.

Can I make 200k 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 seniority, specialized expertise, and sometimes managerial responsibilities.

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 $500,000?

Engineers such as senior software engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-paying industries or roles. These positions often require specialized expertise, certifications, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or stock options.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Senior Propulsion Development Engineer (Thrusters)

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own all aspects of a storable, liquid bipropellant thruster and/or subsystem development.

  • Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent.

  • Prepare, plan and execute tests including engine hotfire testing.

Job description

As a Senior Propulsion Development Engineer (Thrusters) at Impulse, you will own all aspects of in-house propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.  Building off our successful Mira spacecraft program, Impulse is developing new propulsion systems for on-orbit applications as well as Lander applications.  Impulse is looking for development engineers who can contribute to these key hardware development projects.
  • Own all aspects of a storable, liquid bipropellant thruster and/or subsystem development
  • Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
  • Prepare, plan and execute tests including engine hotfire testing
  • Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated system
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions
  • Lead technical projects and/or a small team of engineers
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
  • 5+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
  • Prior experience working on bipropellant rocket engines, including hardware and test experience with combustion devices.
  • Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
  • Ability to perform system trades ranging from thermal-fluids analyses to materials selection
  • Hands-on experience working with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems
  • Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams
  • Advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a comparable field.
  • Experience working in fast-paced, startup environment.
  • Demonstrated technical project leadership over propulsion development programs
  • Prior experience with combustion devices and ignition system development
  • Prior experience with nitrous oxide as a propellant
  • Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
  • Familiarity with aerospace structural analysis standards pertinent to liquid rocket engine development (e.g. NASA-STD-5012, NASA-STD-5020)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 

Additional Requirements:

  • Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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