ICE Valvetrain Technical Specialist

Location: Concord, North Carolina, USA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience Level: Expert-Level

Role Summary

GM Performance Power Units is seeking an ICE Valvetrain Technical Specialist to join our Power Unit team in Concord, North Carolina, USA. In this role, you will utilize your skills across engine design, engineering, manufacturing, supplier engagement, simulation, and analysis activities to support the design, validation, reliability and optimization of high-performance engine components and systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct the design and execution of the engine valvetrain system including:
• Camshaft Assembly
• Finger Follower Assembly
• Intake and Exhaust Valves
• Pneumatic Valve Spring System
• Direct design and analysis execution of entire valvetrain system to meet performance targets within stress, stiffness, mass, and cost targets
• Direct design and analysis execution of camshaft and fuel pump lift profiles
• Direct design and analysis execution of roller finger follower camshaft and valve tip contact surfaces
• Direct design and analysis execution of the pneumatic valvetrain system regarding concept (for example: “open or closed” system), required performance, and packaging within engine
• Direct valvetrain system design and engineering work done by outside partners
• Determine testing requirements to confirm performance and reliability to objectives for each component and the entire system
• Determine testing requirements to quality check components and/or system upon receipt and/or prior to use in testing or engine build
• Accept responsibility to address inquiries from GMPPU leadership and/or other colleagues regarding performance and reliability of this system
• Mentor junior designers and engineers within GMPPU as requested by leadership
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, ensuring technical accuracy, feasibility, and compliance with engineering standards.
• Support adherence to the program plan, meeting milestones, deliverables, and technical objectives, while effectively communicating progress, risks, and mitigation strategies to leadership.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5 years of experience in a similar field or environment working with high level racing engine parts and sub-systems
• Experience or understanding in:
• Engine valvetrain design and basic analysis (Siemens NX and affiliated tools preferred), manufacturing, and tolerancing
• Background with specific engine design tools such as GT-suite or equivalent
• Sound knowledge of engineering fundamentals and first-principles problem solving
• Understanding of materials, structural behavior, and thermal/mechanical loading
• Excellent problem-solving skills, analytical mindset, and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and information-sharing skills along with the ability to engage and influence teams ensuring clarity of objectives and alignment across leadership and engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated development of junior engineers.
  

By Joining GM Performance Power Units, You Will

• Support delivery of engine performance requirements and improvements directly impacting race results
• Contribute to the development of industry-leading design and engineering practices and execution
• Gain experience in a fast-paced engineering environment where innovation and execution drives success
  
  

Work in a team that prioritizes and rewards passion, precision, and the pursuit of motorsport excellence