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Internship Performance Engine Tuning Jobs in San Jose, CA

Elite Performance

Be Seen First

Auto Mechanic

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Advanced Diagnostics & Tuning: Troubleshoot complex mechanical issues and analyze vehicle data ... Execute high-performance engine and transmission builds, upgrades, and track-prep overhauls.

Astera Labs

Performance Engineer

San Jose, CA

... tuning of real AI workloads on our fabric to inform product direction. Your data will directly ... We welcome both recent graduates with strong, directly relevant project, research, or internship ...

Astera Labs

Performance Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... tuning of real AI workloads on our fabric to inform product direction. Your data will directly ... We welcome both recent graduates with strong, directly relevant project, research, or internship ...

MOTA

SEO / PPC Expert

Sunnyvale, CA

This is not an internship. Analytics, A/B split testing, experiments, conversion rates should be ... Perform analysis of SEO performance using vendor and e-commerce analytics platform. * Implement SEO ...

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Internship Performance Engine Tuning information

See San Jose, CA salary details

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How much do internship performance engine tuning jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship performance engine tuning in San Jose, CA is $20.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship performance engine tuning?

Internship Performance Engine Tuning positions are internship roles focused on optimizing and improving engine performance, typically within automotive or motorsports industries. These internships give students or recent graduates hands-on experience with engine calibration, diagnostics, data analysis, and testing. Interns work with experienced engineers to fine-tune engine parameters for increased power, efficiency, and reliability. It's a great way to gain technical skills and industry knowledge, especially for those interested in automotive engineering or high-performance vehicles.

What kind of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during an internship in performance engine tuning?

As an intern in Performance Engine Tuning, you’ll typically assist with data collection and analysis from engine tests, help calibrate engine control parameters, and support the team in optimizing engine performance for power, efficiency, or emissions targets. You may also contribute to diagnostic troubleshooting and participate in simulation or dynamometer testing. Collaboration with senior engineers and cross-functional teams is common, offering valuable exposure to both technical and team-based problem-solving.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship performance engine tuning specialist, and why are they important?

To excel in an Internship Performance Engine Tuning role, a solid understanding of automotive engineering principles, engine mechanics, and coursework in mechanical or automotive engineering are essential. Familiarity with engine management software, diagnostic tools, and data logging systems—plus basic programming or calibration tool proficiency—is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns collaborate with teams and troubleshoot complex issues. These abilities are critical for optimizing engine performance while ensuring reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance in real-world automotive applications.

What is the difference between Internship Performance Engine Tuning vs Performance Engine Tuner?

AspectInternship Performance Engine TuningPerformance Engine Tuner
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate, basic knowledgeRelevant certifications or experience in engine tuning
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised projectsProfessional workshop or automotive shop
Industry UsageEntry-level, learning phaseFull-time, specialized role in automotive industry
Search IntentLearning, entry-level opportunitiesProfessional tuning and performance optimization

Internship Performance Engine Tuning is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while Performance Engine Tuner is a professional role requiring experience and certifications to optimize engine performance in a commercial setting.

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Internship Performance Engine Tuning jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Internship Performance Engine Tuning job openings:

Internship Performance Engine Tuning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Performance Engine Tuning job openings in San Jose, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,185 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Poseidon Aerospace
See more jobs at Poseidon Aerospaceexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Poseidon Aerospace:
Poseidon Aerospace is reimagining how the world moves goods. We build and operate full-size autonomous cargo aircraft - capable of carrying two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. From remote communities to contested logistics operations, our platforms unlock a new cost curve for air freight, making it faster, cheaper, and accessible anywhere it's needed. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with locations in Washington DC, Oregon, and Maine; we're building something consequential.
About the role:
As a Propulsion Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will lead the propulsion team's development from initial assembly and bring-up to a fully calibrated, instrumented powerplant ready for flight. This is a hands-on role centered on engine assembly, design, tuning, and qualification via testing. You will run engines on the test stand, develop test procedures, prove they meet performance and durability targets, and collaborate cross-functionally to iterate and improve on the propulsion system.
If you have an interest in aviation, working hands-on in a test environment, motorsports or high performance engine tuning experience, and have strong instincts running an engine test cell, we are looking for you to join Poseidon.
Responsibilities
  • Calibrate the engine across the full aviation operating envelope: fueling, ignition, idle stability, transient response, knock, and closed-loop strategy on a standalone ECU, with the propeller governor tuned to performance and reliability targets.
  • Run the engine test program on an instrumented test stand: break-in, bring-up, performance mapping, and endurance/qualification runs that prove each engine flight-ready.
  • Bring up the integrated engine from assembled hardware through verification: Outfit assemblies, prepare systems, diagnose faults, and close out anomalies.
  • Operate test instrumentation and DAQ: Specify and collect required data to drive propulsion system improvements and validation in a safe and traceable manner.
  • Translate & Present findings: Distill, document, and present data to validate requirements, limits, and drive design changes. Work closely with other teams to refine and improve propulsion systems.
  • Refine & Develop the break-in, operating, inspection, and maintenance procedures: Document and collect the procedures that carry the propulsion systems through test stand runs, ground runs, and flight tests.

Core Skills
  • Applied tuning of standalone/aftermarket ECUs: Fuel and ignition mapping, idle and transient control, drive-by-wire, knock, and sensor/DTC strategy.
  • Strong conceptual and hands-on knowledge of 4-stroke piston engines
  • Engine test-stand or dyno experience: Experience building or running an instrumented cell, including thrust/torque measurement, cooling and oil-system instrumentation, and DAQ.
  • Working knowledge of aircraft propeller and constant-speed governor systems.
  • Sharp diagnostic, setup, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Familiarity with controlled assembly and maintenance standards: FOD prevention, tool management, and shop safety.

Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience tuning, calibrating, and bringing up EFI piston engine systems: Aviation, motorsport, engine-swap, or standalone-ECU backgrounds are strongly relevant.
  • Experience qualifying or validating engines on a test cell, dyno, or test stand, and ideally through ground and flight testing.
  • Practical knowledge of aviation and automotive fuels (AvGas, MoGas) and their effect on calibration.
  • Comfortable working at the bench and on the aircraft, with strong, self-directed troubleshooting instincts.
  • Strong collaboration skills to communicate verification findings and design feedback clearly across disciplines.

What you'll get from us
  • Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equity
  • Relocation support if applicable
  • Low-ego, collaborative workplace culture
  • 6% retirement matching
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Free lunches, snacks, and a stocked fridge at our offices
  • AI tools and subscriptions

What you get from us
  • Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equity
  • Relocation support if applicable
  • Employee Health Benefit Plans
  • 6% Retirement matching
  • Flexible PTO
  • Free lunches, snacks, and a stocked fridge at our offices
  • AI tools and subscriptions

Apply