ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drivetrain Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fortin Racing, Inc.

Machinist

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Located in San Diego, Fortin Racing, Inc. is a premier drivetrain manufacturer for off-road race and recreational vehicles. A family-owned business with over 50 years of history, we design, engineer ...

Fortin Racing, Inc.

Machinist

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Located in San Diego, Fortin Racing, Inc. is a premier drivetrain manufacturer for off-road race and recreational vehicles. A family-owned business with over 50 years of history, we design, engineer ...

ALSO

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

Design, develop, and test components in drivetrain and actuators for light electric vehicle platforms * Create detailed drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for mechanical parts and ...

Humble Robotics

Senior Powertrain Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Own end-to-end development of the electric powertrain system, including battery pack, HV architecture, motors, inverters, and drivetrain * Define system architecture and key tradeoffs across ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDrivetrain JobsDrivetrain Jobs in California

Drivetrain information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$271.9K

$394.8K

How much do drivetrain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for drivetrain in California is $271,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $394,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drivetrain vs Transmission Technician?

AspectDrivetrainTransmission Technician
Required CredentialsASE certifications, automotive repair licensesASE certifications, specialized transmission repair certifications
Work EnvironmentAuto repair shops, manufacturing plants, dealershipsAuto repair shops, dealerships, transmission service centers
Industry UsageAutomotive industry, manufacturingAutomotive repair and service
Common Search IntentUnderstanding drivetrain components and repairTransmission repair and diagnostics

While both Drivetrain and Transmission Technicians work on vehicle systems, Drivetrain specialists focus on components like axles, driveshafts, and differentials, whereas Transmission Technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing transmissions. Both roles require automotive repair certifications and are vital in vehicle maintenance, but they target different parts of the vehicle's powertrain system.

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 strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, drivetrain systems, and typically a degree in mechanical or automotive engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools (such as MATLAB or Simulink), and experience with testing equipment are essential technical skills. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure the efficient design, analysis, and integration of drivetrain systems that meet safety, performance, and reliability standards.

What is a drivetrain in a vehicle?

A drivetrain is the group of components in a vehicle that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. It typically includes the transmission, driveshaft, axles, and differential. The drivetrain's main role is to deliver the engine's power efficiently, allowing the vehicle to move forward or backward. Different types of drivetrains, such as front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive, affect how power is distributed to the wheels and influence handling and performance.

What are the typical challenges faced by drivetrain engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams during product development?

Drivetrain engineers often work closely with teams from design, manufacturing, and quality assurance, which can present challenges such as aligning technical requirements, managing differing project timelines, and integrating new technologies. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial to ensure that drivetrain components meet overall vehicle performance goals while staying within budget and production constraints. Building strong relationships across departments and being proactive about potential integration issues can help drivetrain engineers navigate these common challenges successfully.
What are popular job titles related to Drivetrain jobs in California? For Drivetrain jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drivetrain jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drivetrain jobs in California are:
Drivetrain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drivetrain job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $271,941 per year, or $130.7 per hour.
H-60 Helicopter Engine Drivetrain Mechanic/Aviation Machinist Mate

H-60 Helicopter Engine Drivetrain Mechanic/Aviation Machinist Mate

Pae

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform maintenance, repair, inspection, troubleshooting, and testing of MH-60R helicopter power plant, drivetrain, rotor systems, flight controls, and related components according to directives and technical manuals.

  • Operate, maintain, and use all applicable ground support equipment, tools, and records required for power plant maintenance and repair.

  • Provide On-the-Job-Training (OJT) for Saudi technicians and maintain appropriate records on trainee personnel.

Job description

Location: Jubail Saudi Arabia

Will perform Field and Sustainment Level maintenance support/augmentation to include: Production control, Quality Control, Supply Management, maintenance, and repair of aircraft. Position requires a skilled Engine / Drivetrain Mechanic with the ability to perform Intermediate Maintenance Periodicity requirements on MH-60R helicopters. Organizational, Intermediate, and Depot level skills are desired to inspect, repair, and fabricate propulsion and drive chain components. Also requires inspection and repair of flight control components and systems.

Shall work in specialized shops associated with fixed base operations Field Level maintenance as well as perform troubleshooting, testing, maintenance repairs and Technical Directive compliance on the H-60 Airframe in Saudi Arabia.

Essential Responsibilities:

Current or previous experience performing complex helicopter mechanical work to include but not limited to:

Perform maintenance and repair of major assemblies, subassemblies and line replaceable unit's (LRUs) of the MH-60R power plant related systems (engines and auxiliary power units). Along with fuel cell maintenance, tail rotor breakdown and rigging, and tail drive shaft removal and shimming.

Has a in-depth knowledge of the IMDS/HUMS vibration diagnostic system. Can use IVHMU data and the HUMS ground station to make adjustments to bring in vibration diagnostics to the minimum standards.

Remove, disassemble, repair, rig, rework, reassemble, install, modify, adjust, test and preserve power plant systems, transmission systems, tail drive shaft assembly, rotor systems, fuel cells, flight controls, subsystems, and components according to directives, technical manuals, and safety procedures.

Perform inspection, troubleshooting, fault detection, fault isolation, and appropriate AVUM/AVIM corrective actions on the power plant related systems, transmission systems, tail drive shaft assembly, rotor system, fuel systems, and oil systems. Perform depot-level maintenance and repair when authorized.Perform power plant depot-level maintenance and repair when authorized.

Operate and maintain all applicable peculiar and common ground support equipment. Identify, use and maintain all common, special, and precision tools available for power plant maintenance and repair.

Responsible for completion and maintenance of applicable forms, records, and reports using appropriate references and other publications including the NAMP.

Provide On-the-Job-Training (OJT) for Saudi technicians and/or other personnel to include maintaining appropriate records on personnel such as Readiness Insight, ASMi, or an ASMi substitute.

Assist in shop safety as well as safety in the hangar and on the flight line.

Accept accountability of property for the Power Plant Shop.

Maintain cleanliness and general maintenance of the associated work area. Perform cleaning, preservation, and operational maintenance work on assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment.

Operate motor vehicles, machines, and other mechanical equipment in the performance of assigned duties.

Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

8 years current or previous experience performing complex helicopter mechanical work, and verifiable experience maintaining H-60 aircraft.

A valid A&P license , QAR, CDQAR, or TI qualification is required.

High School Diploma or equivalent

Clearance Requirement:

Must be able to obtain and maintain a NAC(T3) Background Investigation and drug test. Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. May be required to obtain and maintain a secret clearance.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform post offer, pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Apply