Head of Engine Design Group

GM Performance Power Units•Concord, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

GM Performance Power Units is seeking an experienced Head of Engine Design to lead the component design organization for our Internal Combustion Engine program. Reporting to the ICE Chief Engineer, this role provides technical and people leadership to a multidisciplinary team of Technical Specialists and Engineers responsible for the design and development of major ICE systems and components. The Head of Engine Design is accountable for the quality, technical integrity, and timely delivery of all design activities, ensuring compliance with engine specifications, GMPPU design standards, FIA regulations, program targets, and cost objectives. This role serves as the primary interface between the design organization and key engineering functions, including Simulation, Performance, Integration, Manufacturing, Quality, Testing, and Program Management.

Requirements

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, or related field.
10+ years of experience in high-performance powertrain development, Formula 1, IndyCar, WEC, or comparable racing engines
Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Strong understanding of ICE design, validation, manufacturing, and engineering release processes.
Experience managing complex technical programs involving performance, reliability, cost, and timing targets.
Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
Experience with Siemens NX or equivalent CAD/PLM tools.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of ICE components and systems from concept through release and validation.
Ensure compliance with engine specifications, internal design standards, and FIA regulations.
Maintain technical oversight of all component groups and ensure delivery of robust, competitive, and manufacturable design solutions.
Drive design reviews and approve engineering deliverables, drawings, and release packages.
Own design schedules, deliverables, resource planning, and engineering milestones for the ICE Design organization.
Identify and manage technical, schedule, and resource risks.
Provide regular progress, risk, and recovery updates to the ICE Chief Engineer.
Support supplier and partner engineering activities when required.
Ensure effective collaboration between Design, Simulation, ICE Performance, Power Unit Integration, Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, and Test groups.
Coordinate technical interfaces across ICE systems to ensure successful engine integration.
Facilitate resolution of cross-functional technical issues and escalation when required.
Establish and continuously improve design processes, engineering standards, review practices, and knowledge management systems.
Promote rigorous engineering methods, first-principles thinking, and effective use of simulation and testing.
Lead innovation activities within the design organization and support the development of new concepts into competitive technologies.
Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Technical Specialists and Designers.
Define objectives, support career development, and identify future technical and leadership talent.
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance engineering culture.
Support recruitment, succession planning, and organizational growth.