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Director Powertrain Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SAPA Transmission

Powertrain Engineer

Utica, MI · On-site

Join a team developing advanced drivetrain technology for military applications and play a direct ... Mentor junior engineers through technical guidance in modeling, simulation, and powertrain analysis.

SAPA Transmission

Powertrain Engineer

Utica, MI · On-site

Join a team developing advanced drivetrain technology for military applications and play a direct ... Mentor junior engineers through technical guidance in modeling, simulation, and powertrain analysis.

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Director Powertrain Engineer information

What is the difference between Director Powertrain Engineer vs Powertrain Engineer?

AspectDirector Powertrain EngineerPowertrain Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, extensive experienceBachelor's/Master's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams and projectsDesign, development, testing of powertrain components
Industry UsageUsed in automotive and aerospace companies for senior rolesCommonly used for technical roles in automotive manufacturing

The main difference is that a Director Powertrain Engineer holds a leadership position overseeing teams and strategic projects, while a Powertrain Engineer focuses on technical design and development tasks. The director role involves higher-level management responsibilities, whereas the engineer role is more hands-on with engineering work.

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Infographic showing various Director Powertrain Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Powertrain Engineer

Powertrain Engineer

SAPA Transmission

Utica, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 hours ago

Job description

SAPA Transmission, a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractor, is seeking a Powertrain Engineer to support the modeling, simulation, and system-level integration of the Advanced Combat Transmission (ACT) across a wide range of vehicle architectures.

This role serves as a technical subject-matter expert for analytical activities, concept evaluations, and customer-focused solution studies involving multiple engine configurations, hybridization strategies, and mission profiles. The ideal candidate combines deep powertrain systems expertise with strong analytical, communication, and customer-engagement skills.

Join a team developing advanced drivetrain technology for military applications and play a direct role in improving the mobility, performance, and reliability of next-generation combat vehicles.


Why Join SAPA Transmission?

✔ Support next-generation U.S. military vehicle programs

✔ Work on advanced transmission and powertrain technologies

✔ Collaborate directly with OEM and defense customers

✔ Influence vehicle architectures, integration strategies, and analytical development

✔ Competitive benefits, retirement contributions, and growth opportunities

Responsibilities
  • Develop concept-level powertrain architectures utilizing various engine technologies, including diesel, gasoline, hybrid, turbine, and alternative fuels.
  • Design prototype powerpacks including heat exchanger sizing and selection, fan and fan drive sizing and selection, final drive ratio and PTO power definition.
  • Develop and maintain vehicle-level powertrain models (1D, multi-physics, and control-oriented) to evaluate ACT transmission integration.
  • Perform performance, efficiency, thermal, durability, and drivability analyses across diverse vehicle platforms.
  • Conduct trade studies comparing engine configurations, torque curves, gear ratios, cooling strategies, and system boundaries.
  • Validate analytical predictions using test data, simulation tools, and cross-functional engineering inputs.
  • Prepare and present technical analyses, performance projections, and integration assessments to OEM and defense customers.
  • Serve as a key technical contact supporting customer powertrain integration inquiries.
  • Support business development efforts through technical input for proposals, technical responses, and feasibility assessments.
  • Provide technical guidance to vehicle OEMs on ACT packaging, mounting, lubrication, cooling loops, and control system interfaces.
  • Mentor junior engineers through technical guidance in modeling, simulation, and powertrain analysis.
  • Develop and maintain powertrain analysis tools, models, and best practices.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance integration efficiency and analytical accuracy.
  • Other duties as assigned.
QualificationsRequired
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in powertrain systems engineering, vehicle integration, or transmission/engine modeling.
  • Strong expertise with modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Creo, Siemens NX, or equivalent.
  • Deep understanding of internal combustion engines, vehicle dynamics, drivelines, and control systems.
  • Demonstrated experience performing tradeoff analyses, concept studies, and customer-facing technical presentations.
  • Ability to interpret complex data, lead technical discussions, and provide clear recommendations.
  • Experience with military/defense vehicle systems or heavy-duty powertrains.
Preferred
  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Knowledge of hybrid-electric powertrain integration and control strategy development.
  • Familiarity with thermal modeling, NVH, and durability prediction techniques.
Benefits
  • 6% Retirement Plan Contribution by SAPA Transmission (regardless of employee contribution to the 401(k) plan)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance with minimal employee contribution
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability



SAPA Transmission is an Equal Opportunity Employer




This position requires regular on-site attendance at our facility and is not a remote or hybrid role. Candidates must be able to work on-site during scheduled hours.