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Senior Engine Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bitwise Alchemy LLC

Senior Engine Programmer

TX · Remote

We are looking for a Senior Engine Programmer to work with us on exciting initiatives with major industry partners. Unlike traditional studios, we offer a unique way to leverage your game development ...

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91.80K - $187.45K/yr

Support engine-airframe integration efforts, including takeoff thrust optimization and safety-focused performance methodologies. * Author and execute flight test plans to evaluate propulsion ...

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Support engine-airframe integration efforts, including takeoff thrust optimization and safety-focused performance methodologies. * Author and execute flight test plans to evaluate propulsion ...

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$91.80K - $187.45K/yr

Support engine-airframe integration efforts, including takeoff thrust optimization and safety-focused performance methodologies. * Author and execute flight test plans to evaluate propulsion ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie ... Minimum 5 years experience as an engineer, 2 of which must include game development * Strong ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie ... Minimum 5 years experience as an engineer, 2 of which must include game development * Strong ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA

Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie ... Minimum 5 years experience as an engineer, 2 of which must include game development * Strong ...

Lund Boats

Senior Engine Design Engineer

Fond Du Lac, WI

$86.50K - $126.80K/yr

As a Senior Design Engineer on the Engine Peripherals team at Mercury Marine, you will be focused ... Knowledge of four-stroke engine performance principles * Understanding and application of geometric ...

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Senior Engine Performance Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior engine performance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior engine performance engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Engine Performance Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Engine Performance Engineer, you need a deep understanding of thermodynamics, combustion, and engine calibration, typically supported by a degree in mechanical or automotive engineering. Proficiency with simulation software (like GT-Power), data acquisition systems, and engine management tools is essential, along with knowledge of industry standards such as ISO or SAE. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting technical findings. These skills and qualifications are vital for optimizing engine performance, meeting regulatory requirements, and driving innovation in competitive automotive environments.

What are some of the main challenges a Senior Engine Performance Engineer faces when working on new engine designs?

One of the main challenges in this role is balancing competing requirements such as power output, fuel efficiency, emissions compliance, and durability. Senior Engine Performance Engineers often need to collaborate closely with calibration, validation, and design teams to optimize engine parameters while adhering to project timelines and regulatory standards. Additionally, keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and integrating new components or control strategies can add complexity to the development process. Strong problem-solving skills and effective cross-functional communication are critical to successfully navigating these challenges.

What does a Senior Engine Performance Engineer do?

A Senior Engine Performance Engineer is responsible for analyzing, developing, and optimizing engine systems to ensure they meet performance, efficiency, and emissions standards. They work on testing and calibrating engines, interpreting data, and making recommendations for design improvements. These engineers often lead teams, collaborate with other departments, and use advanced tools and simulation software to achieve project goals. Their expertise is crucial in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries where engine performance is critical.

What is the difference between Senior Engine Performance Engineer vs Engine Calibration Engineer?

AspectSenior Engine Performance EngineerEngine Calibration Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, certifications like SAE or OEM-specific trainingBachelor's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, calibration-specific certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, vehicle development teamsEngine control units (ECU) calibration, testing labs, vehicle integration
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, motorsport teamsAutomotive OEMs, ECU calibration firms, aftermarket tuning companies

The Senior Engine Performance Engineer focuses on optimizing engine performance through testing and analysis, while the Engine Calibration Engineer specializes in ECU tuning and calibration to meet performance and emissions standards. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds but differ in their specific focus areas within engine development.

More about Senior Engine Performance Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Engine Performance Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Engine Performance Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Engine Performance Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Engine Performance Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Engine Performance Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Engine Performance Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Engine Performance Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Engine Performance Engineer jobs are:
Senior Engine Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Engine Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer - Engine Performance

Mechanical Engineer - Engine Performance

RFA Engineering

Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Mechanical Engineer - Engine Performance
As a member of the Spark Ignited Gas Engine Performance team, the successful candidate will be working to develop engine systems for use in applications such as Electric Power, Gas Compression, Marine, Petroleum and other Spark Ignited applications. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring that the engine system meets program requirements with respect to performance and controls, emissions and software. They will be required to use simulation, analysis, and engineering judgment to meet program deliverables. This position will be on-site at our customer's facility located in Lafayette, IN.
Job Description
  • Responsible for engine performance requirements development
  • Engine performance calibration, mapping, and validation
  • Reporting at Design reviews, and project status reports to leadership.
  • Support of product validation in a test cell and/or field environment
  • Combustion and system level simulation using GT-Power
  • Coordinate with controls experts, aftertreatment specialists, design engineers, program managers, and others in a development and validation environment.

Requirements
  • Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology or related field.
  • Experience in performance development of internal combustion engines.
  • Experience in the simulation/modeling/analysis of internal combustion engines or sub-systems
  • Must be a self-starter, good communication skills, able to thrive in a collaborative environment
  • Must have a valid Driver's License

Desired Experience
  • Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Engine Development or Power Systems
  • Experience with GT Power Modeling or similar software
  • Experience with thermodynamic system simulation/modeling/analysis
  • Demonstrates a strong mechanical aptitude through work experience or hobbies
  • Hands on experience with internal combustion engines.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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