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Powertrain Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Senior Designer

Auburn Hills, MI

$96K - $103K/yr

... Powertrain Design Services group. The primary responsibilities include performing packaging ... Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering or a technology related discipline * Experience in the ...

... Engineering • 4+ years in automotive design/development • Demonstrable CAD skills and a strong ... typical powertrain CAE design software (FEA, CFD, GT Power or similar). • Hands-on experience ...

Senior Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

... Powertrain Design Services group. The primary responsibilities include performing packaging ... Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering or a technology related discipline * Experience in the ...

The Senior Engine Design Engineer leads the design, development, validation, and production release of internal combustion engine (ICE) and/or hybrid powertrain mechanical components and subsystems.

As a Design Engineer II, you will use tools like CAD, tolerance analysis, FEA, FMEA, and DVP&R to ... powertrain, body electronics, safety and infotainment applications. The division plays a critical ...

Showing results 21-40

Powertrain Design Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$29

$38

$56

How much do powertrain design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for powertrain design engineer in Michigan is $38.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.94 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a powertrain design engineer?

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.

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 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 much do powertrain design engineers make in the US?

Powertrain design engineers in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or working for major automakers can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans.

What is a powertrain design engineer?

A powertrain design engineer develops and optimizes the components and systems that generate and transmit power in vehicles, such as engines, transmissions, and drivetrains. They use engineering principles, CAD software, and testing to improve efficiency, performance, and reliability of powertrain systems, often working closely with manufacturing and testing teams.

What job categories do people searching Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in MI?

For Powertrain Design Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Powertrain Design Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,589 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Staff Design Engineer, Powertrain Drive Unit Architect

Rivian

Plymouth, MI • On-site

$125K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 21 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 45 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role Summary
In this position, you will be part of the Powertrain Drive Unit team, and you will lead the establishment of advanced DU drive unit design concepts for future programs. You will participate in cross functional team technical integration meetings; and you will lead new program DU design concepts from layout to 3D assembly math.
You will lead design concept maturity development in 3D math, in order to collaborate cross-functionally and to freeze design concepts at the Concept Design Exit Phase of the Rivian development cycle. The Maturity level at CDE is proof of drive unit design concept feasibility, and ok to proceed to Detailed Design Phase.
For this position, the candidate will bring a strong principle based engineering skillset in powertrain driveline power transmission systems; and they will also be required to be proficient in CATIA (V6 preferred) and capable of developing design concepts and maturity in 3D CAD.
It is required that the candidate possess a strong skillset in 2D stack up analysis and 3D CAD based tolerance stack analysis skillset is desired. If the candidate does not possess this 3D stack up skillset, we are seeking a candidate that would like to pursue this skillset thru formal training and project execution.
This position will be located at our Plymouth, MI facility and reports directly to a Technical Manager.
Responsibilities
• Lead drive unit concept maturity from layout to 3D math with focus on developing concept design maturity to evidence based proof of concept feasibility phase and CDE exit.
• Lead creation of Parametric 3D mechanical design of component parts, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies for Rivian Drive Units, and advance projects in CATIA. 3D math quality up to CDE is not critical up to CDE, as this is conceptual phase for design maturity development.
• Lead/execute 3D DU and Vehicle Level packaging studies of design concepts considering package envelope, system performance and manufacturing feasibility.
• Lead Pugh Matrix based trade off studies for DU System Architectural Cross- Functional Decision Points, as required.
• Collaborate directly with DRE's and with cross functional teams such as CAE, EE, manufacturing engineering, vehicle packaging, and systems engineering.
• Support and participate in Design Reviews DU subsystem and system level cross functional buyoff.
• Perform part and assembly 2D/3D tolerance stack analysis and provide feedback to product and/or manufacturing engineering teams.
Qualifications
• In depth understanding of EV propulsion system components/subsystems
• Minimum 5 years of experience using CATIA (V6 preferred)
• Experience using ENOVIA Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system or equivalent.
• DFM knowledge relative to Machined Die Castings, Plastic Injection / Molded Parts, Gears/Bearings, Bolted Joints, etc.
• Able to apply DFA for manufacturing of power electronics and vehicle integration.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and its application to part manufacturing and assembly tolerancing.
• Proficient with Microsoft office apps (Excel, PowerPoint, Excel) or Google Productivity apps (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides) which is preferred.
• Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, and a quick learner who is able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications (Preferred):
• Expertise in 3D tolerance stack analysis, 3DCS preferred.
• Expertise with FEA analysis tools, and other CAE tools that can be used for early
concept development.
Pay Disclosure
Salary Range Michigan-Based Applicants: $125,800-$157,200 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy and Technology
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.
AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.
Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009