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Race Engine Builder Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Cylinder Head Technician

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Machine high-performance, prototype, and racing engine components to exact specifications ... build and machine shops. * Experience with engine-related machining operations, multi-angle valve ...

Machine high-performance, prototype, and racing engine components to exact specifications ... build and machine shops. * Experience with engine-related machining operations, multi-angle valve ...

Engine teardown/build skills and able to follow an engine assembly manual * Able to perform simple ... Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, colour, sex, religion, creed ...

Engine teardown/build skills and able to follow an engine assembly manual * Able to perform simple ... Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, colour, sex, religion, creed ...

Engine teardown/build skills and able to follow an engine assembly manual * Able to perform simple ... Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, colour, sex, religion, creed ...

Engine Manager

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion ...

Engine Manager

Dearborn, MI

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion ...

Engine - D&R Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$65K - $166K/yr

Come build what matters. * This position is within the ICE Powertrain & Thermal Systems Engineering ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion ...

Come build what matters. This position is within the ICE Powertrain & Thermal Systems Engineering ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion ...

Engine - D&R Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$65K - $166K/yr

Come build what matters. * This position is within the ICE Powertrain & Thermal Systems Engineering ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion ...

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Race Engine Builder information

See Michigan salary details

$13

$24

$36

How much do race engine builder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for race engine builder in Michigan is $24.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a race engine builder do?

A Race Engine Builder specializes in designing, assembling, and fine-tuning high-performance engines used in motorsports. Their duties include selecting and fitting parts, optimizing engine performance for racing conditions, and performing detailed diagnostics to ensure reliability and maximum output. Race Engine Builders work closely with racing teams and engineers to meet specific performance goals and often use advanced tools and technology to achieve the best results. This role requires in-depth mechanical knowledge, precision, and a passion for motorsport. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest racing technologies are also important aspects of the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a race engine builder, and why are they important?

Race Engine Builders need in-depth mechanical knowledge, precision machining skills, and experience with high-performance engines, often supported by technical training or automotive certifications. Familiarity with specialized tools such as dynamometers, torque wrenches, and engine management systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure engines are built to exact specifications for peak performance and reliability in competitive racing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by race engine builders, and how can they be managed effectively?

Race Engine Builders often face the challenge of meeting tight deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of precision and reliability. Engines must be built to withstand extreme conditions, so attention to detail and thorough testing are crucial. Collaboration with race engineers and mechanics is essential to diagnose issues quickly and implement improvements. Staying organized, continually updating technical skills, and maintaining clear communication with the team can help manage these challenges and ensure peak engine performance.

What is the difference between Race Engine Builder vs Engine Machinist?

AspectRace Engine BuilderEngine Machinist
CredentialsMechanical skills, certifications in engine building or automotive technologyMachining certifications, technical training in metalworking
Work EnvironmentRace shops, high-performance automotive settingsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageMotorsports, racing teams, performance automotiveManufacturing, automotive repair, custom machining

Race Engine Builders focus on designing and assembling high-performance engines specifically for racing, requiring specialized knowledge of performance parts and tuning. Engine Machinists primarily operate machinery to create or modify engine components, often working in manufacturing or repair settings. While both roles involve engine components, Race Engine Builders emphasize performance tuning and assembly, whereas Engine Machinists focus on precision machining and fabrication.

What are popular job titles related to Race Engine Builder jobs in Michigan?

For Race Engine Builder jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Race Engine Builder jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Race Engine Builder jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Race Engine Builder jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Race Engine Builder job openings:

Infographic showing various Race Engine Builder job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,116 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Cylinder Head Technician

General Motors

Pontiac, MI • On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 308 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,322 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of peopleas we aim to makedriving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

We are seeking a Cylinder Head Technician to join our Performance and Racing Center to primarily support various Race Engine Programs and the Chevrolet Performance Parts team. This opportunity is a good fit for a qualified individual interested in high-performance and prototype engines and who has a passion for racing!

What You'll Do

  • Machine high-performance, prototype, and racing engine components to exact specifications.

  • Develop and modify cylinder-head ports and combustion chambers to meet performance and engineering requirements.

  • Perform preventative and routine maintenance of machines, including changing filters, keeping machines clean, and tracking service records.

  • Record and track data collected or analyzed.

  • Maintain good housekeeping and alignment with environmental requirements.

Additional Success Factors Include

  • Excellent attention to detail.

  • Strong knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, methods, and standard practices of the trade.

  • Solid appreciation of the importance of completing tasks on time.

  • Outstanding interpersonal and relationship leadership skills to effectively collaborate with varying levels of the organization as needed.

  • Consistently demonstrates innovative thinking that is customer centric.

  • Must be adaptable to a changing work environment and competing demands.

  • Available to work alternative shift schedules, including weekends.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • 2+ years of experience with high-performance, racing, and prototype machining operations.

  • Able to program and run CNC Newen single-point equipment.

  • Able to set up Serdi cutters for valve jobs and cut seats out of cylinder heads.

  • Able to set up and run a flow bench for flowing various cylinder heads, intake systems, exhaust manifolds, and restrictors.

  • Experience honing valve guides and setting up measuring tools.

  • Experience porting heads and performing development work on new raw castings.

  • Knowledge of how to install seats and guides and determine the required press fit.

  • Experience grinding valves, fully inspecting cylinder heads, working with CNC equipment on porting and chambers, and checking valve springs.

  • Able to read and work from blueprints.

  • Strong mechanical abilities and proficiency with typical measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, torque wrenches, and other tools commonly used in engine-build and machine shops.

  • Experience with engine-related machining operations, multi-angle valve-seat machining, and valve grinding.

  • Able to perform physical duties involving standing, sitting, and lifting up to 50 pounds, using the upper body, arms, and hands to pull on wrenches used in the machining process.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • 5+ years of experience with high-performance, racing, and prototype machining operations.

  • 3+ years of experience porting heads and performing development work on new raw castings.

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 onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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, email us 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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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