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Powertrain Control System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$96.15 - $120.19/hr

Control Systems Engineer (SCADA / BMS / EPMS - Data Center Design) This is a full-time, full-time (40 hours/week), on-site or remote contract role located in Austin, TX Summary This is a senior ...

The Control Systems Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering team, project managers, clients, and field personnel to develop automation strategies, control narratives, system ...

The Control Systems Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering team, project managers, clients, and field personnel to develop automation strategies, control narratives, system ...

Control System Engineer Job Location: Houston, TX Job Type: Full Time * Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider). * Develop and maintain ...

The Control Systems Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering team, project managers, clients, and field personnel to develop automation strategies, control narratives, system ...

The Control Systems Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering team, project managers, clients, and field personnel to develop automation strategies, control narratives, system ...

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Powertrain Control System Engineer information

See salary details

$61K

$108.8K

$175.5K

How much do powertrain control system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for powertrain control system engineer in the United States is $108,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a powertrain control system engineer do?

A Powertrain Control System Engineer designs, develops, and tests the electronic and software systems that manage a vehicle’s powertrain, which includes the engine, transmission, and related components. Their work ensures the vehicle operates efficiently, meets regulatory standards, and delivers optimal performance and fuel economy. They collaborate with other engineers to integrate new technologies, troubleshoot issues, and refine control algorithms. This role is critical in the development of modern, fuel-efficient, and low-emission vehicles.

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

To thrive as a Powertrain Control System Engineer, you need a solid background in automotive engineering, control systems, and embedded software, usually supported by a degree in mechanical, electrical, or automotive engineering. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, CAN communication protocols, and calibration software, along with knowledge of industry standards like ISO 26262, is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish top performers. These competencies ensure the development of efficient, reliable, and compliant powertrain systems, directly impacting vehicle performance and regulatory adherence.

How does a powertrain control system engineer typically collaborate with other teams during the vehicle development process?

Powertrain Control System Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers, calibration specialists, software developers, and testing teams. Collaboration is essential throughout the development cycle, from defining system requirements and integrating hardware to troubleshooting issues during prototype testing. Regular meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional workshops are common, ensuring that control strategies align with overall vehicle performance goals and regulatory standards. This collaborative environment not only fosters innovation but also helps resolve complex integration challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Powertrain Control System Engineer vs Automotive Control Systems Engineer?

AspectPowertrain Control System EngineerAutomotive Control Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering; certifications like SAE or ISO standardsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automotive Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign and develop control systems for engines, transmissions, and powertrain componentsDevelop control algorithms for various vehicle systems, including powertrain, braking, and safety features
Industry UsagePrimarily in automotive manufacturing, OEMs, and suppliers focused on powertrain technologyUsed across automotive companies working on vehicle control systems, including powertrain and other subsystems

Powertrain Control System Engineers specialize in designing and optimizing control systems specifically for engines and transmissions, while Automotive Control Systems Engineers work on a broader range of vehicle control systems. Both roles require similar qualifications and are integral to automotive innovation, but their focus areas differ within the industry.

What cities are hiring for Powertrain Control System Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Powertrain Control System Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Powertrain Control System Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Powertrain Control System Engineer jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Powertrain Control System Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,776 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Powertrain Control Software Validation Engineer

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Ford Motor Company
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$99K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, execute, and maintain software validation suites for supplier-delivered low-level drivers and Ford-developed high-level drivers.

  • Analyze software requirements and develop comprehensive test plans and validation strategies.

  • Lead modernization efforts by migrating existing validation environments to dSPACE SCALEXIO platforms.


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As a Powertrain Controls Software Validation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing, executing, and maintaining software validation solutions for Powertrain Control Modules (PCM). This role supports both supplier-developed low-level drivers and Ford-developed high-level control software, ensuring software functionality, quality, and compliance with system requirements.

The successful candidate will play a key role in modernizing Ford's validation infrastructure through the implementation of dSPACE SCALEXIO Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems, automation tools, and advanced software development methodologies. You will collaborate closely with Ford engineering teams, suppliers, and system experts to deliver validation strategies for current and future gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicle programs.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in Powertrain Controls Software Validation.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience developing, testing, and debugging automotive embedded systems software.
  • Strong programming and software development skills using ANSI C and Python.
  • Experience with Model-Based Development (MBD) and MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Hands-on experience with dSPACE Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems.
  • Working knowledge of:
    • dSPACE ControlDesk and ConfigurationDesk
    • Lauterbach Trace32 Debugger
    • Git/GitHub
    • ClearCase
  • Understanding of basic engine controls principles and combustion engine operation.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with embedded controls software development.
  • Knowledge of Powertrain Control Systems and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) hardware.
  • Experience with calibration tools and processes.
  • Electrical hardware and wiring troubleshooting experience.
  • Familiarity with software architecture, automated testing frameworks, and continuous integration methodologies.
  • Experience supporting electrified propulsion systems, including HEV and BEV applications

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 7 and ranges from $99,600-$166,600., This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $115,000-$162,900.    
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.

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Software Validation Development

  • Design, develop, execute, and maintain software validation suites for supplier-delivered low-level drivers and Ford-developed high-level drivers.
  • Analyze software requirements and develop comprehensive test plans and validation strategies.
  • Develop, update, and execute test cases for base functionality, hardwired inputs/outputs, and embedded software features.
  • Review and analyze test results, identify root causes of issues, and support corrective actions.

Test Automation and Infrastructure Modernization

  • Lead modernization efforts by migrating existing validation environments to dSPACE SCALEXIO platforms.
  • Convert and maintain automated testing frameworks using modern software development tools and Python 3.
  • Develop automated processes for test execution, reporting, and validation on dSPACE HIL systems.
  • Improve validation efficiency through scalable and repeatable automation solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Ford system experts, software engineers, and suppliers to define validation requirements and test methodologies.
  • Serve as the technical interface between Ford engineering teams and PCM suppliers.
  • Support validation activities across gasoline, HEV, and BEV applications.
  • Collaborate across organizational boundaries to resolve complex technical issues and drive continuous improvement.

Technical Analysis and Problem Solving

  • Perform software debugging and root-cause analysis using industry-standard tools and techniques.
  • Validate embedded software functionality and ensure compliance with design requirements.
  • Support software quality initiatives through data-driven analysis and continuous improvement practices.

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