Chief Engineer - ICE

GM Performance Power Units•Concord, NC

25d•Onsite

About The Position

GM Performance Power Units is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Engineer – Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to lead the design, development, and delivery of the internal combustion engine for our Power Unit Programs. As Chief Engineer, you will own the full lifecycle of ICE technical development, from concept to track deployment, ensuring alignment with regulations, performance targets, and integration into the hybrid powertrain system. This is a rare opportunity to shape the technical DNA of GMPPU’s future in elite motorsports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field. Masters degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in ICE design and development, with at least 5 years in a senior engineering leadership role within a high-performance motorsport environment (preferably F1, WEC, IndyCar, or similar).
Proven track record of delivering high-performance, high-reliability racing ICEs under homologation constraints.
Deep understanding of combustion systems, materials science, thermal management, fuel technologies, and hybrid integration.
Strong leadership and communication skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Experience with AVL, Ricardo, GT-Power, MATLAB/Simulink, and relevant CAD/CAE tools.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience developing a F1, WEC, IndyCar, or similar power unit, with a strong understanding of regulatory and technical constraints.
Familiarity with biofuels, advanced turbocharging, energy recovery systems (ERS), and hybrid controls strategy.
Strategic thinker with an innovative mindset and the ability to influence stakeholders across engineering, racing operations, and executive leadership.

Responsibilities

Lead the ICE architecture, design, performance optimization, and reliability engineering in line with the technical regulations and performance benchmarks.
Collaborate closely with hybrid system, ERS, controls, and chassis teams to ensure seamless integration and system-level optimization.
Drive performance validation through advanced simulation, test bench programs, dyno testing, and track data analysis.
Manage ICE-related technical partnerships and external suppliers (materials, components, manufacturing partners, etc.).
Direct a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, including thermodynamics, combustion, mechanical design, calibration, and simulation experts.
Ensure delivery of program milestones in alignment with project schedules, cost targets, and homologation timelines.
Establish best-in-class engineering practices in line with competitive benchmarks.