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Performance Engine Tuning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

Nastech Global

AEM Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Optimize site structure, metadata, and content for search engine indexing and performance ... Participate in code reviews, technical design discussions, and performance tuning efforts.

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Performance Engine Tuning information

See California salary details

$108.1K

$123.4K

$137.2K

How much do performance engine tuning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for performance engine tuning in California is $123,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is performance engine tuning?

A Performance Engine Tuning job involves optimizing an engine's performance by adjusting parameters such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and air-to-fuel ratio. Tuners use specialized software and tools to modify the engine control unit (ECU) for better horsepower, torque, and efficiency. This role requires knowledge of engine mechanics, diagnostics, and aftermarket modifications. Tuners work with various vehicles, from daily drivers to high-performance race cars, ensuring they run efficiently and safely.

What does a performance engine tuning specialist do?

A typical day for a Performance Engine Tuning specialist involves assessing customer vehicles, performing engine diagnostics, calibrating ECU settings, and utilizing dynamometer testing equipment to validate performance improvements. You may collaborate closely with other technicians, service advisors, and occasionally directly with clients to discuss performance goals and modifications. The role requires a blend of hands-on adjustments and computer-based tuning, with an emphasis on both technical expertise and precision. Over time, you may also be involved in researching new tuning techniques and staying updated with advancements in automotive technology to ensure optimal results for a wide range of vehicles.

What skills and qualifications are needed for performance engine tuning?

To thrive in Performance Engine Tuning, you need a solid background in automotive mechanics, internal combustion engine theory, and hands-on experience with diagnostic and tuning procedures. Familiarity with engine management systems, ECU programming tools, and performance software (such as Dynojet or HP Tuners) is typically required, along with relevant technical certifications. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for accurately optimizing engine performance, troubleshooting issues, and conveying technical information to clients or team members.

What are popular job titles related to Performance Engine Tuning jobs in California?

For Performance Engine Tuning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Performance Engine Tuning jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Performance Engine Tuning jobs in California are:

Performance Engine Tuning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Performance Engine Tuning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,363 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Poseidon Aerospace
See more jobs at Poseidon Aerospaceexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 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; Heron, a seaplane, and Egret, a STOL aircraft; each 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

Even if you don't meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. At Poseidon Aerospace, we value diverse perspectives and are always looking for talented individuals with unconventional backgrounds.

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