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Automotive Powertrain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dynamometer Technician

Livonia, MI Β· On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Join a leader in automotive innovation as a Dynamometer Technician , where you'll be hands-on with advanced engine diagnostics , powertrain testing , and emissions development . This industrial ...

Basic understanding of automotive powertrain systems, including engines, transmissions, emissions systems, controls, and vehicle communications. * Experience working with embedded systems and ...

Controls Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI Β· On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Controls/Automation Engineer to prepare for an participate in new product launches in automotive powertrain. This role is both machining as well as assembly. With ...

Controls Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI Β· On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Controls/Automation Engineer to prepare for an participate in new product launches in automotive powertrain. This role is both machining as well as assembly. With ...

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Automotive Powertrain information

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How much do automotive powertrain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive powertrain in the United States is $45.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.11 and $49.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive powertrain?

Automotive powertrain jobs involve the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of the components that generate power and deliver it to a vehicle’s wheels. This includes engines, transmissions, drivelines, and related control systems. Professionals in this field may work as engineers, technicians, or specialists focused on improving performance, efficiency, and emissions. The work is essential for both traditional internal combustion vehicles and newer electric and hybrid models.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive powertrain engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Powertrain Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, knowledge of internal combustion engines, electric drivetrains, and relevant engineering principles. Proficiency with CAD software (like CATIA or SolidWorks), simulation tools (such as MATLAB/Simulink), and familiarity with automotive industry standards and certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and drive innovation. These competencies are vital for designing reliable, efficient powertrain systems that meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards.

What are some typical challenges faced in an automotive powertrain role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Automotive Powertrain often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapid advancements in engine and transmission technologies, meeting stringent emissions and fuel efficiency standards, and integrating new electrification components. Collaboration with cross-functional teamsβ€”including design, testing, and manufacturingβ€”is essential to address these challenges effectively. Staying updated with industry trends, refining problem-solving skills, and participating in ongoing training can help powertrain engineers and technicians successfully navigate these evolving demands.

What is the difference between Automotive Powertrain vs Automotive Engine Technician?

AspectAutomotive PowertrainAutomotive Engine Technician
CredentialsASE certifications, technical degreesASE certifications, specialized engine training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, repair shopsRepair shops, dealerships, service centers
Industry UsageDesign, development, testing of entire drivetrain systemsDiagnosing and repairing engine issues
Common Search/ComparisonFocus on entire drivetrain systemsFocus on engine repair and diagnostics

Automotive Powertrain professionals work on the entire drivetrain system, including transmission and driveshafts, while Automotive Engine Technicians focus specifically on diagnosing and repairing engine components. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in repair environments, but their scope of work differs significantly.

What does an automotive powertrain engineer do?

An automotive powertrain engineer designs, develops, and tests components and systems related to a vehicle's engine, transmission, and drivetrain to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability. They use engineering tools like CAD software and often collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure proper integration and functionality of powertrain systems.
More about Automotive Powertrain jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Powertrain jobs?

The most popular types of Automotive Powertrain jobs are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Powertrain job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,868 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Autonomous Powertrain System Engineer I

Portland, OR β€’ On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

  • Own the technical development, integration, and release readiness of vehicle powertrain systems across autonomous and advanced vehicle programs.
  • Define, manage, and coordinate powertrain system requirements across multiple ECU suppliers, software teams, and vehicle development organizations.
  • Serve as the primary engineering point of contact for powertrain software releases, hardware updates, ECU compatibility, and system-level functionality.
  • Drive delivery and signoff of customer, program, and vehicle-level requirements through coordination of suppliers, validation teams, and engineering stakeholders.
  • Lead cross-functional issue resolution involving powertrain software, diagnostics, communications, cybersecurity, networking, and system integration.
  • Coordinate software release planning for CPC, MCM, ACM, and TCM powertrain controllers.
  • Coordinate and maintain powertrain Autonomous-specific BOMs, release documentation, module definitions, and configuration management artifacts.
  • Define and track powertrain readiness metrics, risks, blockers, dependencies, and critical-path activities.
  • Partner with validation organizations to develop and execute component, bench, HiL, vehicle-level, diagnostics, PCT, NCT, FCT, and end-to-end test strategies.
  • Drive VEPS readiness, software charting, flash package development, production release preparation, and vehicle update planning.
  • Coordinate change requests, defect resolution, feature implementation, and VMM/network communication updates.
  • Evaluate impacts of software, hardware, calibration, cybersecurity, and networking changes across the powertrain ecosystem.
  • Support vehicle builds, workshop integration, field troubleshooting, validation campaigns, and prototype development.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and internal development organizations across the US and Europe to secure deliverables and remove execution barriers.
  • Communicate technical status, risks, recommendations, and readiness assessments to engineering leadership and program management.
  • Capture lessons learned and continuously improve powertrain development, integration, and validation processes.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, and 0-2 years of experience, is required.
  • Basic understanding of automotive powertrain systems, including engines, transmissions, emissions systems, controls, and vehicle communications.
  • Experience working with embedded systems and networked electronic control units (ECUs).
  • Knowledge of automotive software development, calibration, release management, and configuration control processes.
  • Understanding of requirements development, traceability, validation planning, and defect management processes.
  • Experience managing technical risks, dependencies, and readiness assessments within complex engineering programs.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to drive closure on ambiguous or cross-functional technical issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams while maintaining ownership of critical program deliverables.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • An attached resume is required.
  • This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders.
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application.
  • Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check.
  • Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen.
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in automotive powertrain systems, including software development, calibration, and release management, while effectively managing technical risks and dependencies across complex engineering programs. Strong communication skills facilitate collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Automotive Powertrain Systems
  • Embedded Systems
  • Software Development
  • Requirements Development
  • Technical Risk Management
Hard Skills
  • Powertrain System Requirements
  • ECU Compatibility
  • Validation Planning
  • Configuration Control
  • Diagnostics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Networking
  • Change Requests
  • Defect Management
  • Test Strategies
Soft Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Ownership
  • Independence
Industry Keywords
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Vehicle Development
  • Integration
  • Validation Campaigns
  • Release Readiness
Tools & Technologies
  • CPC
  • MCM
  • ACM
  • TCM
  • HiL
  • PCT
  • NCT
  • FCT
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