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Powertrain Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a Powertrain Responsible Engineer you will own the mechanical components and assemblies that ... S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS The person hired will have access to information and items ...

As a Powertrain Responsible Engineer you will own the mechanical components and assemblies that ... S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS The person hired will have access to information and items ...

As a Powertrain Responsible Engineer you will own the mechanical components and assemblies that ... S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS The person hired will have access to information and items ...

As a Powertrain Responsible Engineer you will own the mechanical components and assemblies that ... S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS The person hired will have access to information and items ...

Showing results 21-40

Powertrain Control Engineer information

What does a powertrain control engineer do?

A Powertrain Control Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and calibrating the electronic control systems that manage a vehicle's powertrain, which includes the engine, transmission, and related components. They work to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions by developing control algorithms and software. These engineers often use simulation tools and testing procedures to ensure that vehicles meet regulatory standards and customer expectations. Their role is crucial in the development of modern vehicles, especially as automotive technology moves toward electrification and advanced driver assistance systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a powertrain control engineer?

To thrive as a Powertrain Control Engineer, you need expertise in automotive engineering, control systems, and embedded software development, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, electrical, or automotive engineering. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, CANalyzer, and experience with calibration software or automotive control units is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These abilities are crucial for developing efficient, reliable powertrain systems that meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by powertrain control engineers when integrating new technologies into existing vehicle platforms?

Powertrain Control Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as electric or hybrid systems, into established vehicle platforms. These challenges include ensuring compatibility between new control algorithms and legacy hardware, meeting stringent emissions and performance standards, and managing complex calibration processes. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and testing specialists, is essential to address these hurdles. Staying up-to-date with evolving automotive standards and leveraging simulation tools can also help mitigate integration risks.

What is the difference between Powertrain Control Engineer vs Automotive Software Engineer?

AspectPowertrain Control EngineerAutomotive Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering; experience with control systemsBachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering; programming skills
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing engine control units, working in automotive R&D labsDeveloping embedded software, coding, and testing in automotive or tech companies
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturing, OEMs, Tier 1 suppliersAutomotive industry, tech firms, suppliers

Powertrain Control Engineers focus on designing and optimizing engine and transmission control systems, while Automotive Software Engineers develop embedded software for vehicle systems. Both roles require technical skills and work within the automotive industry, but their core responsibilities differ in hardware versus software development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Powertrain Control Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Powertrain Control Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Powertrain Control Engineer jobs in California?

For Powertrain Control Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Powertrain Control Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Powertrain Control Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Powertrain Control Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Senior Supplier Quality Engineer - Powertrain

Zoox

Foster City, CA • On-site

$165K - $228K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Zoox rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

212th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The Powertrain HV Battery Supplier Quality Engineer will play a key role in ensuring world-class performance of the Zoox prototype and production battery supply base, and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, driven, energetic, detailed, and team-oriented, with a deep understanding of energy storage systems and high-voltage manufacturing.
In This Role, You Will
  • Works with Powertrain Engineering and Strategic Sourcing to select appropriate battery cell, module, and pack suppliers by conducting detailed process assessments and VDA 6.3 audits.
  • Travel 30% of time
  • Assess the manufacturability of new HV battery designs (including cell integration, thermal interface materials, busbars, and BMS systems) and assist suppliers with improving manufacturability and scaling production.
  • Manage product and process development with battery suppliers from prototype through end-of-line (EOL) testing.
  • Review prototype and production part quality document submissions (PPAP) from suppliers, ensuring adherence to strict HV safety and performance tolerances.
  • Issue corrective action requests (8D) to suppliers regarding battery degradation, thermal runaway risks, or capacity anomalies, and provide support with resolution.
  • Provide support to Manufacturing, Quality, and Powertrain Engineering regarding analysis and disposition of suspect HV supplier material.
  • Drive continuous improvement throughout the battery supply base using quality and lean manufacturing tools to improve yield and cycle times.
  • Ensure supplier compliance with safe handling, storage, and transport of high-voltage systems and lithium-ion batteries.
  • Improve Zoox supplier quality processes such as assessments, supplier management, part approval, and corrective actions

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent engineering degree
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in Quality, Supplier Quality, or Manufacturing, in the automotive, aviation, or medical device industries
  • Experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) - Experience creating and improving quality systems
  • Experience in manufacturing processes such as laser welding, ultrasonic welding, wire bonding, thermal potting/dispensing, and EOL functional testing or related HV systems.
  • Experience using problem-solving techniques such as Six-Sigma, 8-Discipline, Pareto Charts, Regression Analysis, ANOVA, DOE, Fish Bone Analysis, Red-X, Is / Is Not
  • Experience using quality analysis and control tools such as Process Flow Diagrams, Process FMEAs, Process Control Plans, SPC, MSA, Process Capability
  • Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
  • Working knowledge of Quality Systems such as ISO 9000 and IATF 16949 - Certifications such as ASQ, Six Sigma Green Belt, or Six Sigma Black Belt
  • Fully literate in Microsoft computer applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Bonus Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of lithium-ion battery chemistry, failure modes, and battery management system (BMS) fundamentals.
  • Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Familiarity with automotive and battery-specific standards (e.g., ISO 26262, UN 38.3, ECE R100, UL 2580, IEC 62660).
  • High Voltage safety training/certification.
  • Working knowledge of Quality Systems such as ISO 9000, IATF 16949, and VDA 6.3.
  • Certifications such as ASQ, Six Sigma Green Belt, or Six Sigma Black Belt.

$165,000 - $228,000 a year
Base Salary Range
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

What Zoox employees say

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About Zoox

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zoox is dedicated to creating the world's first fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the necessary ecosystem to make this technology accessible. Positioned at the crossroads of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox strives to deliver the future of mobility-as-a-service in urban settings. We seek exceptional individuals who share our enthusiasm and are eager to join a dynamic and results-driven team.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Foster City, CA, US