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Drivetrain Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sales Engineer Company: AISIN World Corp. of America Department ... Business Management, Sales - Non-Toyota Drivetrain Location: Northville, MI Position Summary This ...

Sales Engineer Company: AISIN World Corp. of America Department ... Business Management, Sales - Non-Toyota Drivetrain Location: Northville, MI Position Summary This ...

Design, develop, and test components in drivetrain and actuators for light electric vehicle ... Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate PCBAs, wire harnesses, and electronic systems ...

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Drivetrain Engineer information

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$36.5K

$107.3K

$137.5K

How much do drivetrain engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for drivetrain engineer in the United States is $107,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is earning $70,000 out of college with an engineering degree good?

For a Drivetrain Engineer, earning $70,000 out of college is generally considered a solid starting salary, especially in regions with a lower cost of living. Entry-level engineering salaries vary by location and industry, but this figure typically aligns with or exceeds national averages for new graduates in engineering fields. Gaining skills in CAD, MATLAB, or automotive systems can enhance earning potential over time.

What does a Drivetrain Engineer do?

A Drivetrain Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and improving the systems that transfer power from a vehicle’s engine or motor to its wheels. This includes working with components such as transmissions, differentials, drive shafts, axles, and related control systems. Drivetrain Engineers collaborate with other automotive specialists to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and reliability of vehicles. They also address issues related to noise, vibration, and harshness, as well as integrating new technologies like hybrid and electric drivetrains.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior drivetrain engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in systems design, and expertise in automotive or aerospace industries, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, specialized knowledge, and working for major manufacturers or technology companies in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by Drivetrain Engineers during the product development cycle?

Drivetrain Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance, efficiency, and cost requirements while ensuring the reliability and durability of components. They must collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and testing, to address integration issues and meet project deadlines. Adapting to rapid technological advancements, especially in electric and hybrid vehicle systems, and troubleshooting unforeseen technical issues during prototyping and validation are also typical aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Drivetrain Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDrivetrain EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering; relevant certificationsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentAutomotive or aerospace industries, R&D labs, manufacturing plantsManufacturing, product design, R&D, various industries
Industry UsageAutomotive, electric vehicles, hybrid systemsBroad industry applications including automotive, aerospace, consumer products

Drivetrain Engineers focus specifically on designing and optimizing vehicle powertrain systems, while Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope in mechanical design and analysis across multiple industries. Both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, but Drivetrain Engineers specialize in drivetrain components and systems within automotive and related sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drivetrain Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drivetrain Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, powertrain systems, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or Simulink, and industry standards such as ISO/TS 16949 is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and address complex design challenges. These competencies ensure reliable, high-performance drivetrain solutions that meet safety, efficiency, and regulatory requirements.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Drivetrain engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in mechanical and electrical systems, and working in high-demand industries like automotive or aerospace, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Senior-level engineers often have specialized certifications and work in roles that involve leadership, complex design, or project management, which contribute to higher compensation.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior drivetrain engineers in industries like aerospace, automotive, or heavy machinery can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and control systems, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly at large corporations or in specialized fields.
More about Drivetrain Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drivetrain Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Drivetrain Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Drivetrain Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,282 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Mechatronics Engineer - Chassis Systems

Mechatronics Engineer - Chassis Systems

Cummins

Troy, MI

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Cummins rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

We are looking for an experienced Mechatronics Engineer - Chassis Systems to join our Advanced Engineering team in Troy, MI. 

This role leads the front end of innovation for advanced mechatronic and sensing technologies across steering, braking, and axle systems within the Global Advanced Engineering & Innovation Group. The focus is on shaping ideas into viable concepts, defining system level architectures, and driving early stage development through structured requirements, prototyping, and testing. 

The engineer in this role transforms product and market needs into clear, traceable technical requirements, working closely with the PLM organization and using Polarion to manage system definition and integration. They guide the technical direction of design solutions while collaborating with the Software, Controls, and Electronics teams to execute detailed development. 

Success in this position comes from strong systems thinking, the ability to conceptualize and evaluate new technologies, and the leadership to coordinate cross functional teams toward robust, manufacturable solutions aligned with Cummins' long term product strategy. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:  

Concept Design, Development & System Architecture:  

  • Collaborate in the ideation and conceptualization of new sensing and mechatronic solutions for drivetrain, braking, and steering systems. 
  • Perform analytical assessment of leading concept(s)   
  • Lead concept generation including design and early prototype creation 
  • Work with technical advisors to seek alignment on system level architectures, sensing strategies, and hardware integration concepts. 
  • Evaluate feasibility, risks, and tradeoffs for new technologies and concepts. 

Requirements Engineering & Structured Development 

  • Translate product/market requirements into clear, actionable technical requirements. 
  • Use Polarion to manage requirements, traceability, and system documentation. 
  • Collaborate with PLM to ensure proper flowdown of requirements to subsystem and component teams. 

Cross Functional Integration 

  • Partner with Software Controls & Electronics team within CDBS (Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems) to ensure system level alignment and proper interface definition. 
  • Provide hardware and sensing details to support software feature development and system behavior modeling. 
  • Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust integration. 

Prototyping, Testing & Validation 

  • Define prototype needs and lead early stage build/test activities. 
  • Conduct bench, dyno, and vehicle level testing to evaluate sensing concepts and system performance. 
  • Troubleshoot integration issues across mechanical, electrical, and system domains. 

Supplier & Technology Engagement 

  • Work with suppliers to evaluate sensing technologies, hardware capabilities, and integration requirements. 
  • Support supplier selection and technical reviews for sensors, ECUs, and mechatronic components. 

Leadership & Collaboration 

  • Drive cross functional alignment on new technology initiatives. 
  • Mentor junior engineers in systems thinking, requirements development, and mechatronic integration. 
  • Support long-term product strategy by identifying emerging sensing and mechatronic opportunities. 
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.
  • Experience supporting ISO 26262 functional safety activities.
  • Background in commercial vehicle systems (heavy/medium duty trucks, specialty, or defense).
  • Familiarity with electronics and software development processes (without being the developer).
  • Experience with Adams orMotionViewApplications preferred.
  • 7+ years of experience in mechatronics, sensing systems, or system level engineering roles.
  • Strong background in sensing technologies, hardware integration, and vehicle level system behavior.
  • Experience withdrivetrain,brakingsystems, and/or electric power steering (EPS).
  • Proficiency in structured requirements management tools (Polarion, DOORS, Jama, etc.).
  • Ability to analyze large datasets, extract insights, identify trends, and draw engineering conclusions to guide concept development and system decisions.
  • Experience with data acquisition systems and data driven troubleshooting.
  • Strong systems thinking mindset with the ability to coordinate across mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

  • Deep Technical Expertise:A solid engineering foundation (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, or Systems) with extensive experience in design, mechatronics, sensing systems, drivetrain/braking/EPS systems, and vehicle level system behavior.
  • Advanced Analytical & Modeling Skills:Experience, Familiarity with HIL testing,Trucksimsoftware, Adams orMotionViewSoftware applications
  • Systems Thinking & Cross Functional Integration:Strong capability to manage requirements, understand CAN based communication, and collaborate effectively across mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to drive cohesive system solutions.
  • Clear Communication & Organizational Strength:Proficiency with structured requirements tools (Polarion, DOORS, Jama) and the communication, documentation, and coordination skills needed to align stakeholders and guide system level decisions

Education, Licenses, Certifications:

  • College, university, or equivalentBachelor's degree in Engineeringor appropriate STEM field is required.
  • Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required forselectroles.
  • This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:

Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.


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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919