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Internal Combustion Engine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LiquidPiston

Engine Test Internship - Fall 2026

Suffield, CT · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Engine Test Intern - LiquidPiston Location: This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days ... internal combustion engines, fluid systems, heat transfer, and mechanical systems • Hands-on ...

General Atomics

Engineer I

Poway, CA · On-site

$62K - $105K/yr

Main focus is on diesel internal combustion engine related items but also includes propellers, turbine engines, hybrid systems, fuel system, gearboxes, electrical systems and FADEC or engine ...

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How much do internal combustion engine jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for internal combustion engine in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some careers that you could pursue in the area of internal combustion engines?

Careers related to internal combustion engines include automotive engineer, mechanical engineer, engine technician, and research scientist. These roles involve designing, testing, maintaining, and improving engine performance, often requiring knowledge of thermodynamics, materials science, and specialized tools or diagnostic equipment.

Do internal combustion engines have a future?

Internal combustion engine technicians and engineers play a key role in maintaining and developing these engines, which are still widely used in transportation and industry. However, the industry is shifting toward electric vehicles and alternative power sources, which may reduce demand for traditional internal combustion engine expertise over time. Staying updated on emerging technologies and certifications can be beneficial for job security in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by Internal Combustion Engine engineers in modern automotive development?

Internal Combustion Engine engineers often face challenges such as meeting stringent emissions regulations, improving fuel efficiency, and integrating new technologies like hybrid systems. They must collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including software engineers and materials scientists, to innovate and optimize engine performance. Adapting to the rapid pace of technological advancement and balancing cost-effectiveness with performance are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Internal Combustion Engine vs Automotive Technician?

AspectInternal Combustion EngineAutomotive Technician
Primary FocusDesign, development, and maintenance of internal combustion enginesRepair, diagnose, and maintain vehicles, including engines
Required CertificationsMechanical engineering, automotive technology certificationsASE certifications, automotive repair licenses
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, testing facilitiesAuto repair shops, dealerships, service centers

While an Internal Combustion Engine specialist focuses on engine design and development, an Automotive Technician works on diagnosing and repairing engines and vehicle systems. Both roles require automotive knowledge, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

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

To thrive as an Internal Combustion Engine Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, engine simulation tools, and emissions testing systems is usually required, along with certifications such as EIT or PE. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help engineers excel in optimizing engine performance and meeting regulatory standards. These skills are crucial for designing efficient, reliable engines that comply with safety and environmental requirements.

What is an internal combustion engine?

An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel, typically gasoline or diesel, inside a combustion chamber. The combustion process releases energy, which moves pistons or rotors and ultimately powers vehicles, machinery, or generators. Internal combustion engines are commonly found in cars, motorcycles, trucks, and many other machines. They are known for their efficiency and widespread use but also contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

How much does a combustion engineer make?

A combustion engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those in specialized industries may earn higher wages, and the job often requires knowledge of thermodynamics and combustion systems.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or working in high-paying industries or companies.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Internal Combustion Engine jobs? The most popular types of Internal Combustion Engine jobs are:
What states have the most Internal Combustion Engine jobs? States with the most job openings for Internal Combustion Engine jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internal Combustion Engine jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internal Combustion Engine jobs are:
Internal Combustion Engine jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internal Combustion Engine job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,925 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Global Technical Specialist--3D Airflow & Combustion

Global Technical Specialist--3D Airflow & Combustion

General Motors

Pontiac, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 304 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 Combustion & Airflow Technical Specialist 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 airflow, gas exchange, combustion modeling, fuel injection spray, exhaust systems and emissions control, and will contribute to the design and optimization of next-generation gasoline and diesel combustion systems and airpaths.
What You'll Do
  • Lead the technical method development and roadmap for fuel spray, in-cylinder mixture preparation, combustion analysis, exhaust and aftertreatment systems, manifolds and boosting systems.

  • Own scorecards for critical hardware release metrics for combustion, airflow, exhaust systems, aftertreatment, and exhaust sensors

  • 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 Hardware & Calibration Technical Specialists based on interpretation of analysis results

  • Own and enhance current standard analysis practices and/or tools to improve prediction fidelity and/or execution speed

  • Lead, execute, and coordinate analysis capability development initiatives, with emphasis on an "all virtual" future

  • Drive testing to support the development of first-time capable analysis techniques

  • Stays abreast of new technology and competitive products

  • Lead cross-functional teams including engine design, calibration, controls, and emissions compliance.

  • Interface with software vendors to convey future needs and impart change

  • Work with leadership, development partners, and PMT Technical Specialists to identify gaps and priorities for analysis growth

  • Seek out state of the art tools and methods and maintain a benchmark of industry capability and trends

  • Lead analysis support for code red and urgent product issue resolution

  • Interface with other virtual groups to establish common processes

  • Communicate status to leadership and escalate issues/roadblocks within the organization, as necessary

  • Represent GM for external collaborations and conferences

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • 10+ years' experience with compressible CFD analysis of powertrain-related systems

  • MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field with a focus on internal combustion engines or fluid dynamics

  • 7+ years' experience in CFD software (CONVERGE, STAR-CD, STAR-CCM+ 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

  • Proficient in programming (Java, MATLAB, Python), workflow automation, and customization of tools surrounding main vendor software

  • Strong understanding of engine combustion testing, data acquisition and analysis

  • Demonstrated experience leveraging machine learning, advanced statistical methods, model-based calibration and/or multi-disciplinary CAE optimization

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related fields

  • 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

  • Experience with hands-on 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 1-800-865-7580. 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

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