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Engine Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vailexa

Unreal Engine C++ Developer

Saint Louis, MO

This role is for a software engineer specializing in Unreal Engine (C++), not a designer or artist ... Key Responsibilities Unreal Engine Development (C++ Focus) * Develop and implement application ...

Wabtec

Lead Engineer, Engine Wiring Harnesses

Grove City, PA · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Lead Engineer will have technical ownership of engine wiring harnesses for internal combustion ... The role requires demonstrated experience in reciprocating engine development with component-level ...

Wabtec

Lead Engineer, Engine Wiring Harnesses

Grove City, PA · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Lead Engineer will have technical ownership of engine wiring harnesses for internal combustion ... The role requires demonstrated experience in reciprocating engine development with componentlevel ...

Motive Companies

Development Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

Knowledge of internal combustion engine and electrified powertrain technologies. * Experience supporting product development in automotive, motorsports, or high-performance engineering environments.

Motive Companies

Development Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

Knowledge of internal combustion engine and electrified powertrain technologies. * Experience supporting product development in automotive, motorsports, or high-performance engineering environments.

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Engine Performance Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

LiquidPiston

Engine Performance Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Ilmor

Racing Development Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$100 - $170/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support engine development and validation testing on dynamometers, including test preparation, execution, monitoring, and data analysis. * Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and race teams to ...

New

Ilmor

Racing Development Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support engine development and validation testing on dynamometers, including test preparation, execution, monitoring, and data analysis. * Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and race teams to ...

Room 8 Group

NY · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

We are looking for a Senior / Principal SDET / Tools Engineer to join the Core Tools Team working on a large‑scale Unreal Engine 5 open‑world project. This role focuses on building the internal ...

New

Pae

Engine Lab Test Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Test categories include engine development and durability, powertrain calibration, heavy-duty gas ... The Engine Laboratory Department's Test Engineer interacts with requesting activities to ensure ...

LiquidPiston Inc.

Chief Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with the VP of Engineering and senior leadership to define and drive the engine development roadmap. * Balance innovation with practical constraints--optimizing for function, cost ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 13, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Sr. Technical Specialist - Engine Combustion

AVL DiTEST

Plymouth, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

AVL Mobility Technologies Inc offers a job in the United States (US) as

Sr. Technical Specialist - Engine Combustion

AVL Mobility Technologies, Inc. (MTI) forges new ideas, creating exciting breakthroughs, and providing mobility solutions for combustion engines, transmissions, hybrid applications, fuel cell, battery, ADAS/AD, data intelligence, and embedded systems for all types of vehicles. Our mission is to be the leading engineering consultancy providing excellence and sustainable mobility solutions to North America and the world as a key member of the global AVL network to help improve vehicle safety and reduce emissions. 

We are seeking a highly experienced Sr. Project Engineer - Engine Combustion to provide technical leadership for the development and validation of advanced internal combustion engines. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional engineering teams to achieve combustion performance targets while ensuring all program milestones and deliverables are completed on schedule. This role requires extensive OEM product development experience and the ability to drive technical decisions throughout the engine development process.  

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Employer will not sponsor an applicant for a

work visa for this position.

 

Roles: 

  • Lead combustion system development activities for advanced gasoline engine programs.
  • Define engine hardware content to achieve performance, fuel economy, BSFC, emissions, and combustion stability targets.
  • Lead cross-functional teams including combustion, calibration, mechanical design, simulation, and testing organizations.
  • Evaluate and optimize combustion system characteristics including:
    • Compression ratio
    • Combustion chamber design
    • Fuel injector selection and spray targeting
    • Knock sensitivity
    • Ignition strategy
    • Air motion and combustion efficiency
    • Review engine dynamometer test data and recommend hardware refinements based on combustion performance.
    • Support proof-of-concept (POC) and Production Intent (PI) engine build activities.
    • Ensure technical risks are identified and mitigation plans are implemented.
    • Track program milestones and communicate technical status to program leadership. 
  • Review engine dynamometer test data and recommend hardware refinements based on combustion performance. 
  • Support proof-of-concept (POC) and Production Intent (PI) engine build activities. 
  • Ensure technical risks are identified and mitigation plans are implemented. 
  • Track program milestones and communicate technical status to program leadership. 
 

Qualifications/Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline (Master's or PhD preferred).
  • Minimum 20 years of automotive engine combustion development experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading combustion development for an Automotive OEM.
  • Strong background in gasoline internal combustion engine development from concept through production launch.
  • Experience with structured product development and launch methodologies.
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Engine combustion fundamentals
    • Fuel economy optimization
    • Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC)
    • Knock mitigation
    • Engine performance development
    • Engine dynamometer testing
  • Excellent communication and technical leadership skills.
  • Previous Program Management experience.
  • Experience supporting production engine launch programs.
  • Familiarity with production intent engine development processes.
  • Experience working with calibration and validation teams.
 

AVL provides a competitive compensation and benefits package to all direct hires.  Specific benefit details and offer packages will be communicated during the interview and/or offer stage.

We look forward to receiving your details; please use our online application form or send your application to AVL North America, Inc. / AVL Test Systems, Inc. / AVL Mobility Technologies, Inc. EOE Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access www.avl.com as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling (734)-446-4106.

ABOUT AVL NORTH AMERICA

AVL North America has a staff of more than 550 people and has four technical centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Metro Detroit area, and Lake Forest, California.

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