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Drivetrain Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Dynamic Manufacturing

Test Engineer

Hillside, IL · On-site

$65K - $120K/yr

... drivetrain and powertrain parts. The Test Engineer is expected to have a demonstrable understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical, and electrical concepts. They should also be able to analyze ...

Southern Bus & Mobility

Be Seen First

Automotive Technician

Breese, IL · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Brakes, suspension, steering, drivetrain, and other mechanical systems WHAT YOU'LL DO * Diagnose and repair gas and diesel vehicles * Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and HVAC concerns * Read and ...

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All JobsDrivetrain JobsDrivetrain Jobs in Illinois

Drivetrain information

See Illinois salary details

$29.1K

$267K

$387.6K

How much do drivetrain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for drivetrain in Illinois is $267,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,400.00 and $387,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drivetrain?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Drivetrain jobs in Illinois?

For Drivetrain jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drivetrain jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Drivetrain jobs in Illinois are:

Drivetrain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drivetrain job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $267,014 per year, or $128.4 per hour.

Control Systems Team Lead - Drivetrain Controls

Caterpillar

Mossville, IL • On-site

$60K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 489 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

274th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself
Role Definition
The Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) Division is seeking a highly motivated Control System Team Lead to join the Drivetrain Controls System Simulation and Validation (DCSSV) organization supporting Construction Industries Drivetrain Controls. This role is focused on Large Track Type Tractor New Product Introduction (NPI) drivetrain controls development and product delivery, validation planning and execution, and technology transformation project execution that enables robust, scalable drivetrain control solutions for current and future machine platforms using powershift transmissions and torque converters.
The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across software, controls, and development activities, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver drivetrain controls solutions from concept through production readiness. This position requires strong engineering judgment, systems-level thinking, and the ability to execute complex initiatives while ensuring embedded software quality, integration readiness, and validation rigor.
What you will do
  • Lead and execute NPI controls development activities for Large Track Type Tractor applications, including requirements definition, architecture alignment, implementation, integration, and product delivery.
  • Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions supporting transmissions, torque converters, actuators, sensors, and associated embedded software for machine systems.
  • Own validation planning and execution by defining verification strategies, test plans, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and data review approaches across simulation, bench, and machine environments.
  • Execute technology transformation projects that modernize controls, software workflows, and development practices to improve capability, quality, and efficiency.
  • Apply systems engineering principles to balance performance, durability, functional safety, maintainability, and cost across drivetrain mechatronic solutions.
  • Coordinate with global and cross-functional teams to support design reviews, software releases, integration activities, and validation execution.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and validation teams to ensure seamless system integration and issue resolution.
  • Drive technical problem solving through data analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action development during development and validation phases.
  • Contribute to standard work, best practices, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen drivetrain mechatronics development and validation processes.

Degree Requirement
  • Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum, preferably:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronics Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Ag Engineering

What you must have (skills)
  • Analytical Thinking: Fluent use of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine root cause, evaluate complex technical tradeoffs, and create practical solutions for software, controls, and system integration challenges.
  • Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Mastery of decision-making processes and associated tools; ability to assess technical risk, prioritize work, and make sound recommendations across development and validation activities.
  • Effective Communications: Understanding of communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to clearly convey technical direction, validation results, risks, and project status across cross-functional teams.
  • Project Management: Knowledge of effective project execution strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and deliver technology transformation and product development workstreams.
  • Computer-Aided Controls Systems Development: Knowledge of tools and techniques used to develop, simulate, integrate, and validate embedded controls and mechatronic system solutions.
  • Product Testing: Expert knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques, and tools; ability to build and execute robust validation plans that ensure product quality and readiness.
  • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect, and resolve software, controls, and integration issues in product development environments.

Top Candidates will also have
  • Track Type Tractor application knowledge.
  • Demonstrated engineering experience in drivetrain controls, propulsion systems, embedded software, or related product development disciplines.
  • Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and delivery of software-enabled product capabilities into production applications.
  • Strong mechanical and electronics aptitude, passionate about delivering the highest quality drivetrain system to Caterpillar customers.
  • Strong background in validation planning and execution, including test strategy development, data analysis, and issue resolution.
  • Test, data collection, and analysis capabilities using ATI Vision, CANape, or similar calibration, measurement, and analytics tools.

Additional Information
  • This posting will close on 9/11/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
  • The location for this position is Mossville, IL (Technical Center Building G) or Washington, IL (Peoria Proving Grounds) and requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule onsite.
  • Relocation assistance (domestic) is available for this position.
  • Sponsorship is NOT available.
  • This position may require less than 10% travel

Final details
Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application - please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
#LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
August 27, 2026 - September 11, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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