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Powertrain Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $198K/yr

... Engineering * Exposure to integrating or designing flight critical systems * Proficient in CAD ... Knowledge of, and experience within, electric powertrain systems or aerospace systems.

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Powertrain Design Engineer information

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How much do powertrain design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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.
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Powertrain Design Engineer jobs near you
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$144K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
What You'll Do:
  • Design a wide array of structural components and integration of flight-critical electromechanical actuation systems from concept through experimental flight testing
  • Design mechanisms and own kinematic layouts for flight control systems
  • Design detailed metallic parts and assemblies to support actuation and propulsion integration
  • Own the prototype development process; requirements, design, BOM, procurement, assembly, test, etc.
  • Perform initial structural analysis and hand calculations to verify component margins, load paths, and interface requirements
  • Interface with suppliers to select COTS solutions where appropriate (mounts, fasteners, brackets, etc.)
  • Create and review technical drawings, plans, and specifications
  • Support requirements development and documentation
  • Collaborate with our multi-disciplinary engineering team

What You Need:
  • 5+ years of engineering experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • Exposure to integrating or designing flight critical systems
  • Proficient in CAD (Solidworks, NX, etc.) - NX preferred
  • Ability to manage CAD and complex assemblies in Team Center
  • Proficient in load analysis, free body diagrams, and FEA
  • Experience designing complex metallic parts and weldments
  • Fluent in GD&T and creating manufacturing drawings
  • Familiarity with aerospace hardware standards
  • Hands-on experience in multiple technical fields especially those related to carbon composite and metallic structures
  • Ability to communicate effectively and clearly

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)
  • Knowledge of, and experience within, electric powertrain systems or aerospace systems.
  • Familiarity with simscape
  • Experience designing mechanisms for flight control systems
  • Thorough understanding of electro-mechanical actuators
  • Thorough understanding of engineering product development including design phases, manufacturing processes and global supply chain management.
  • Familiarization with Atlassian Jira and Confluence for task management and collaborative documentation.
  • Experience supporting vehicle development from concept/prototype aircraft phase through certification and mass production
  • Part 23 Certification Experience and/or experience working with ARP4754A.

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $144,000 - $198,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

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