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Powertrain Control Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAPA Transmission

Powertrain Engineer

Utica, MI · On-site

Department of Defense (DoD) contractor, is seeking a highly experienced Powertrain Engineer to ... Develop and maintain vehicle-level powertrain models (1D, multi-physics, and control-oriented) to ...

SAPA Transmission

Powertrain Engineer

Utica, MI · On-site

Department of Defense (DoD) contractor, is seeking a highly experienced Powertrain Engineer to ... Develop and maintain vehicle-level powertrain models (1D, multi-physics, and control-oriented) to ...

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How much do powertrain control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for powertrain control engineer in the United States is $96,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much do powertrain engineers get paid?

Powertrain control engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $80,000 and $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in automotive or aerospace sectors.

What engineers make $500,000?

Powertrain Control Engineers in the automotive industry can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in control systems and software, and leadership roles. High compensation is often associated with senior positions, specialized expertise, or working for major manufacturers or technology companies.

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

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.

Can I make 200K as an electrical engineer?

Powertrain Control Engineers, especially those with advanced skills in automotive systems, embedded software, and experience in the industry, can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, particularly in senior or specialized roles. Salary levels depend on factors such as location, years of experience, certifications, and the complexity of projects handled.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Powertrain Control Engineers in the automotive and aerospace industries can reach annual salaries of $300,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in control systems, and relevant certifications. Senior engineers working in high-demand sectors or in managerial roles may also achieve this level of compensation.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Powertrain Control Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Powertrain Control Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Powertrain Control Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Powertrain Control Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Powertrain Control Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Powertrain Control Engineer jobs are:
Powertrain Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Powertrain Control Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,574 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Powertrain Controls Platform Architect

Powertrain Controls Platform Architect

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$41.75 - $53.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Who we are:
We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Ford's Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company's vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You'll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out. Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Powertrain Controls Platform Architect to join our department. This role is crucial for the development and integration of powertrain control modules, ensuring robust and efficient operation across various vehicle applications within the evolving landscape of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). The successful candidate will be instrumental in configuring communication stacks and bootloaders, debugging low-level software, optimizing memory and chrono usage, and contributing to the architectural design of multi-core microcontroller solutions.
A strong understanding of automotive embedded systems, C programming, bootloaders, low-level embedded software stack, AUTOSAR BSW, and sophisticated build processes is essential, coupled with an awareness of broader SDV platform concepts and how they impact powertrain systems.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities can include:
  • Communication Stack Configuration: Configure and manage the communication stack for powertrain control modules using DaVinci. This includes adapting to different versions of the Vector SIP and addressing unique configuration needs for various platforms.
  • AUTOSAR BSW Integration & Configuration: Configure AUTOSAR BSW components (such as diagnostics, watchdog, NVM, and communication modules) to ensure safety, security, stability, reliability, and performance within the powertrain domain.
  • Low-Level Debugging & Root Cause Analysis: Master debugging and problem-solving using Lauterbach to troubleshoot low-level processor resets and software issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions, focusing on the Communication Stack (ComStack) or low-level drivers (LLDs) provided by module suppliers (as object files).
  • Memory Optimization: Develop and update section maps for Infineon TC38xx and TC39xx microcontrollers to optimize linking and building of applications, ensuring efficient placement of variables in RAM and ROM locations.
  • Microcontroller Platform Architecture & Performance: Contribute to architecting the platform and strategically distributing runnables across different cores within powertrain microcontroller modules to maximize efficiency and achieve balanced CPU utilization.
  • High-Level Driver Development & Integration: Develop C-code-based high-level drivers to interface with supplier-provided low-level drivers, creating bridging software that connects application software layers to the hardware. Integrate diverse software components, including custom device drivers, SIPs, and partner-built platform software, into the powertrain platform.
  • SDV Platform Awareness: Maintain an understanding of Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) platform systems, including hardware-agnostic design principles for microcontroller-based systems, and how powertrain control modules integrate into and contribute to overall vehicle platform requirements and common services.
  • Bootloader and HSM: Configure the HSM and a common bootloader for the motion domain modules.
  • Advanced Build Environment & Diagnostics: Apply a deep understanding of C programming, pre-processors, compilers, makefiles, software build processes, and Continuous Integration (CI) automation to diagnose build issues and develop software within our established build environment.
  • Troubleshoot Powertrain Behavior: Analyze and troubleshoot vehicle/powertrain behavior, determine root causes, validate corrective actions, and develop preventative measures.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent degree.
  • Embedded C Expertise: Mastery of C programming for resource-constrained environments and low-level hardware abstraction. Experience in OSEK OS/AUTOSAR OS.
  • Microcontroller Knowledge: Deep understanding of MCU architecture, including multi-core synchronization, memory protection units (MPU), and DMA. Experience in Tricore or ASIL-D Complaint Automotive microcontrollers MCAL/Low level drivers.
  • Diagnostics: Experience with UDS (ISO 14229) services, specifically Service 0x100x100x10 (Diagnostic Session Control), 0x110x110x11 (ECU Reset), 0x340x340x34 (Request Download), and 0x360x360x36 (Transfer Data).
  • Toolchain Proficiency: Experience with compilers (GHS, Tasking, or GCC) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing tools.
  • Debuggers: Proficiency with Lauterbach Trace32 or similar hardware debuggers. Experience in debugging Traps/HW-SW Exception
  • Safety and security: Experience in Functional safety process for ASIL-D and developing ASIL-D compliant boot software. Experience in programming the interface between the Main Core and the HSM (Hardware Security Module). Knowledge on how to implement Secure Boot, Authenticated Boot, and cryptographic signature verification (RSA/ECDSA) for every update.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of SDV and applicability to the powertrain domain, including how bootloaders interact with Vehicle OS layers and cloud-based update managers.
  • Knowledge of Python or Perl for automation script development.
  • Experience with Version Control Systems (GitHub, Bitbucket) and CI/CD pipelines for embedded software.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
  • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
  • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
  • Tuition assistance
  • Established and active employee resource groups
  • Paid time off for individual and team community service
  • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $115,000-$192,900.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#LI-KS4
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About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982

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