ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Powertrain Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Navier

Senior Electric Powertrain Engineer

Alameda, CA

$121K - $158K/yr

Work with vendors and contractors to design and build custom powertrain components. * Lead Navier's EE team and grow it into the premier electric boat engineering team. Required Experience & Skills:

Navier

Senior Electric Powertrain Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Work with vendors and contractors to design and build custom powertrain components. * Lead Navier's EE team and grow it into the premier electric boat engineering team. Required Experience & Skills:

Joby Aviation

Additive Design Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

This role will work across teams such as Airframe, Powertrain, Manufacturing, and Quality, to ... Collaborate with part design engineers to ensure additive designs meet functional requirements.

Joby Aviation

Additive Design Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

This role will work across teams such as Airframe, Powertrain, Manufacturing, and Quality, to ... Collaborate with part design engineers to ensure additive designs meet functional requirements.

Joby Aviation

Additive Design Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

This role will work across teams such as Airframe, Powertrain, Manufacturing, and Quality, to ... Collaborate with part design engineers to ensure additive designs meet functional requirements.

Brelle

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Los Alamitos, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Design experience integrating into vehicle platforms-you understand powertrain architecture and ... Founding Engineer equity participation through Employee Incentive Plan Benefits * Medical (HMO, PPO ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPowertrain Design Engineer JobsPowertrain Design Engineer Jobs in California

Powertrain Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$32

$43

$64

How much do powertrain design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for powertrain design engineer in California is $43.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.41 and $42.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Powertrain Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, with expertise in powertrain systems, CAD software, and engineering analysis—typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with tools like CATIA, Siemens NX, MATLAB/Simulink, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications (such as Six Sigma or ISO) are often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and innovate solutions for complex engineering challenges. These abilities are vital to ensure the design, efficiency, and reliability of vehicle powertrain systems in a competitive automotive industry.

What is the difference between Powertrain Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPowertrain Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Mechanical Engineering; knowledge of engine systemsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; broad engineering fundamentals
Work EnvironmentAutomotive or aerospace R&D, manufacturing facilitiesVarious industries including manufacturing, aerospace, energy
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, heavy machineryMultiple sectors including automotive, industrial, consumer products

Powertrain Design Engineers focus specifically on designing and developing vehicle propulsion systems, such as engines and transmissions, within automotive and aerospace industries. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Powertrain Design Engineers specialize in powertrain components, making their skills more targeted for automotive propulsion systems.

How does a Powertrain Design Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering teams during a vehicle development project?

Powertrain Design Engineers work closely with cross-functional teams including electrical, chassis, and manufacturing engineers to ensure seamless integration of the powertrain into the overall vehicle design. Regular meetings and design reviews are common, where engineers discuss technical challenges and align on performance, packaging, and regulatory requirements. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as design decisions often impact other systems and the overall project timeline. This teamwork not only streamlines the development process but also provides valuable opportunities for learning and professional growth.

What does a Powertrain Design Engineer do?

A Powertrain Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing the components that make up a vehicle's powertrain, such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain systems. They work to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability of these systems while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Powertrain Design Engineers collaborate with other engineering teams to integrate new technologies, troubleshoot issues, and optimize designs for manufacturing and cost-effectiveness.
What are popular job titles related to Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in California? For Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Powertrain Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Powertrain Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in CA? For Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Powertrain Design Engineer jobs near you
Design Engineer, Powertrain

Design Engineer, Powertrain

Singer Vehicle Design

Torrance, CA • On-site

$104K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Join Our Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
At Singer Vehicle Design, we believe Everything is Important. That's why every nut, bolt, stitch, and finish matters when we restore and reimagine Porsche 911s into some of the most beautiful and respected cars in the world.
We're looking for a Design Engineer, Powertrain to bring their passion, precision, and problem-solving skills to our team in Torrance, CA. If you share our passion for beautiful cars, thrive on details, and want to be part of something extraordinary, this is your chance.
Why You'll Love This Role:
  • The design engineering role is responsible for understanding requirements for new components or systems, designing to those requirements, and bringing those parts to production.
  • Design, release, and implement new parts and assemblies with supporting documentation to improve existing products in a manner that demonstrates, "Everything is Important."
  • Develop concepts for unique customer requests and take them from feasibility, costing, design, testing, and release.

What You'll Do:
  • Conceptualize and create mechanical designs using design software Catia V5 for new products used in late model air cooled Porsches.
  • Develop expertise in powertrain systems and components under direct responsibility which can include engine, transmission, air induction, exhaust, A/C systems and cooling systems.
  • Understand and design around packaging environment, mounting strategy and load conditions of automotive components and systems, even with little information Plan and execute part evaluations on vehicle, and component or system validation plans
  • Interface with and manage suppliers to execute project deliverables
  • Collaborate with global Design and Production Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and Production teams
  • Plan, execute, and initiate process improvement (such as Lean or Six Sigma)
  • Evaluate existing drawings and 3D models of assemblies and processes
  • Develop testing processes, and perform testing and validation of new designs
  • Create working prototypes for first article fit and function testing
  • Review and approve 3D models and 2D drawings and specifications created by junior engineers
  • Complete part releasing responsibilities following company processes
  • Complete documentation to track project development and design process
  • Ensure projects are on time and within budget
  • Identify indicators for improvement and cost reduction opportunities
  • Create product introduction materials; work instructions, exploded view parts manuals, etc.

Who We're Looking For:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering with automotive, mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering emphasis required
  • 3-5 years of mechanical design & drafting experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks, Catia, or equivalent required
  • Experience in the automotive industry required
  • Experience in engineering development process and design and release of components and systems required
  • Bonus points for Master's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering with automotive, mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering emphasis
  • Bonus points for experience with surfacing capabilities
  • Bonus points for experience with data management systems
  • Ability to reverse engineer components with limited information
  • Ability to solve complex problems with design constraints and deliver optimized solutions for function, cost, timing and manufacturing
  • Ability to create 2D drawings and 3D models of advanced mechanical components and assemblies
  • Understanding of customer expectations for luxury, high performance vehicles
  • Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, especially the ability to synthesize large amounts of data involving multiple variables into action plan
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a project through completion and meet deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complicated issues to a wider audience
  • Team oriented, strong ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment and to multiple deadlines
  • Knowledge of Pareto Analysis, Root Cause, Corrective Action, or related strongly preferred
  • Understanding of design for manufacturability as it applies to DFMEA concepts
  • Proficient working with PowerPoint, Excel, or similar data analysis software
  • Experience monitoring, tracking, and continually improving the total cost equation
  • Willingness and ability to learn and use new test equipment such as 3D scanners, 3D printers, data acquisition systems
  • Knowledge of air cooled and turbo Porsche vehicles a plus

Location & Schedule:
This is a salaried, exempt position onsite in Torrance, CA. The core hours are Monday - Friday 7:30am-4pm.
What We Offer - Benefits Driven by You:
The starting salary range for this position is between $104,344 - 130,429 per year plus bonus. Actual compensation will be determined by skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Our mantra Everything is Important guides us every day, so naturally we also believe Everyone is Important. Our benefits and perks are thoughtfully curated to invest in the well-being, growth, and long-term success of our team both inside and outside the shop.
Health & Wellness
  • 80% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees and family
  • Tax-free savings options via HSA and FSA, including employer HSA contributions
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage

Time Off & Flexibility
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - 2-3 weeks per year depending on the role
  • 13 paid holidays annually, including the week between Christmas and New Year's off

Financial Benefits
  • Annual bonus plan
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Annual merit increases following performance reviews (when eligible)
  • Monthly cell phone reimbursement

Perks & Extras
  • Free snacks! (monthly snack stipend at our Minimart)
  • "Working Advantage" employee discount program for travel, entertainment, amusement parks, and more
  • Tools provided for technicians
  • Team events and company gatherings throughout the year
  • Employee-led clubs based on interest: books, movies and (of course) cars!

Growth & Development
  • Annual performance reviews to provide feedback and aid employee development
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities
  • Access to Singer's learning platform (Singer Learn) containing over 115,000 courses on a wide variety of topics - Coming soon!
  • Transparent leadership communication through quarterly town halls

Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to building a team that includes individuals from different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientation, and physical abilities, reflecting the diversity of the communities where we work and live.
Do you want to Reimagine your career? Apply now and join us!

Apply