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Engine Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

$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

$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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How much do engine development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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.

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.

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.
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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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Propulsion Development Engineer

Propulsion Development Engineer

Hermeus

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.

As a Development Engineer on the Propulsion team, you will be responsible for advancing engine hardware through rapid, test-driven iteration. You will operate at the intersection of hardware execution and data analysis, owning engine test campaigns and translating results into actionable engineering improvements.
This role requires strong hands-on capability, analytical rigor, and the ability to move quickly between test operations, data interpretation, and hardware problem-solving. You will play a critical role in increasing engine development velocity and reliability.
Responsibilities
  • Own development engine test campaigns from planning through execution and post-test analysis
  • Define, author, and refine engine test plans, procedures, and setpoints aligned with program objectives
  • Support and make decisions during live test operations, including hot-fire and subsystem testing
  • Identify, diagnose, and resolve test-related engine issues across hardware, instrumentation, and procedures
  • Standardize and improve test data review, reduction, and reporting processes
  • Develop Python-based tools for data processing, visualization, and automated analysis
  • Translate test data into clear engineering insights, including performance characterization and root cause analysis
  • Drive post-test reviews and ensure actionable outcomes are captured and executed
  • Participate in hands-on engine build, integration, and test setup activities
  • Author and maintain development engine work instructions, test procedures, and technical documentation
  • Generate, track, and resolve engineering issues through ticketing systems
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, avionics, and test teams to resolve system-level challenges
  • Ensure proper sensor selection, instrumentation setup, and data integrity during test campaigns
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of test infrastructure, tooling, and development processes
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Hands-on experience with hardware build, integration, or test operations
  • Experience developing or executing engineering test plans and procedures
  • Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation
  • Strong understanding of sensors, instrumentation, and diagnostic techniques
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with liquid rocket engines or air-breathing propulsion systems
  • Familiarity with high-speed data acquisition and telemetry systems
  • Background in thermofluids, combustion, or turbomachinery
  • Experience operating in fast-paced, iterative hardware development environments
  • Demonstrated ownership of hardware or test systems through multiple development cycles
The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.
 
Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!
 
100% employer-paid health care
401k & Retirement Plans
Unlimited PTO
Weekly Paid Office Lunches
End of Year Bonuses
Fully stocked breakrooms
Stock Options  
Paid Parental Leave
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS 
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. 
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to 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.
 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.