1

Drivetrain Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Develop and implement control systems for electro-hydraulic, powertrain, drivetrain, and machine implement systems. * Create and maintain control system models using MATLAB and Simulink. * Perform ...

Develop and implement control systems for electro-hydraulic, powertrain, drivetrain, and machine implement systems. * Create and maintain control system models using MATLAB and Simulink. * Perform ...

Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself Role Definition Caterpillar's Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions Division (IDES) is seeking an Associate Engineer who validates products and ...

Control Systems Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Develop and implement control systems for electro-hydraulic, powertrain, drivetrain, and machine implement systems. * Create and maintain control system models using MATLAB and Simulink. * Perform ...

Communications Specialist

Peoria, IL · On-site

$89 - $134/hr

In this role, you'll lead and execute strategic communications initiatives that support the Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division and enterprise-wise priorities. You'll also ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

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.

Automotive Technician

Southern Bus & Mobility

Breese, IL • On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Job description

Southern Bus & Mobility is hiring an experienced Automotive Diesel Technician to join our service team in Breese, Illinois.


Experienced automotive technicians, diesel mechanics, truck and fleet technicians, equipment mechanics, and dealership technicians can transition well into this role. Bus or mobility-vehicle experience, diesel experience, and a CDL are not required. We provide paid training on the specialized equipment we service.


WHAT WE OFFER


• $28–$35 per hour in guaranteed base pay

• Additional efficiency bonus paid on top of base pay

• No flat-rate pay system

• Overtime paid at 1.5x

• Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM (40 hours per week)

• Employer-paid employee health insurance

• Dental and vision insurance available

• Health savings account and life insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and paid holidays

• Annual performance reviews and raises

• Company-paid uniforms

• Paid training and certifications

• Stable, year-round work


WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON


Our technicians work on a wide variety of vehicles and systems, so you won’t be doing the same repair all day, every day:


• Gas and diesel school buses and commercial shuttle buses

• Ford and GM-based cutaway chassis

• Wheelchair-accessible vans and mobility vehicles

• Electrical and electronic systems

• Heating and air-conditioning systems

• Wheelchair lifts, ramps, and related mobility equipment

• 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 interpret wiring diagrams and schematics

• Install, diagnose, and repair wheelchair lifts, ramps, and mobility equipment

• Perform preventive maintenance and safety inspections

• Complete brake, suspension, steering, drivetrain, and other mechanical repairs

• Road-test vehicles and verify repair quality

• Accurately document repairs performed

• Communicate with the Service Manager and Parts Department regarding repairs and parts needs

• Maintain a clean and organized work area


WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR


• Professional automotive, diesel, truck, fleet, equipment, dealership, or related repair experience

• Strong mechanical and diagnostic ability

• Understanding of electrical, powertrain, and mechanical systems

• Ability to read and interpret wiring schematics

• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• High school diploma or GED

• Valid driver’s license


PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED


• ASE certifications

• OEM certifications

• Diesel experience

• Commercial vehicle or bus experience

• Mobility-equipment experience

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)


ABOUT SOUTHERN BUS & MOBILITY


Southern Bus & Mobility is a family-owned distributor and service provider for school buses, commercial buses, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Since 1996, we have served schools, transportation providers, businesses, municipalities, healthcare organizations, and individuals throughout the region.

Company Description

Southern Bus & Mobility is a full-service distributor of school buses, commercial shuttle buses, and handicap accessible vehicles with locations in Breese, IL and Valley Park, MO. We are a family-owned business with a deep-rooted customer-first culture and serve very exciting industries with tremendous growth opportunities.