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Powertrain Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$99K - $166K/yr

The Propulsive Vehicle Controls Software Engineer position involves the design, implementation, and validation of powertrain customer software components involving torque management and driver ...

Astemo's Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Business Unit expertise includes various powertrain ... This position will be part of the ICE Design Engineering (DE) group and will be responsible for ...

Astemo's Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Business Unit expertise includes various powertrain ... This position will be part of the ICE Design Engineering (DE) group and will be responsible for ...

... 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 ...

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Powertrain Design Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$29

$38

$56

How much do powertrain design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,589 per year, or $38.3 per hour.
Product Design Engineer

Product Design Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • Hybrid

$99K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Ford's Research and Advanced Engineering team takes new ideas from theory to reality. Every day, we develop advanced energy management and propulsion technologies, create cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes, and curate world-class cabin experiences that redefine what it means to drive a Ford.

In this position... 
The Propulsive Vehicle Controls Software Engineer position involves the design, implementation, and validation of powertrain customer software components involving torque management and driver interface systems.  Systems such as selectable drive mode, pedal blending, launch control, series pHev, and torque arbitration are examples of some of the types of systems being developed for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and full electric applications.  

You'll have...

  • B.S. degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field; or foreign equivalency degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  • 2+ years' experience in C in automotive embedded controls. 
  • 2+ years experience with MATLAB/Simulink Software Development in automotive systems.
  • 3+ years developing or integrating PT control features.
  • 2+ years experience developing embedded control algorithms.

Even better, you may have...

  • M.S. degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
  • Experience with torque arbitration, pedal shaping, and driver interfaces.
  • Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Jama, Unity/Ceedling, GitHub, and/or ClearCase.
  • Experience with Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
  • 5+ years of experience with embedded control software and design experience.
    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.     
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-AC4 

What you'll do...

  • Working with a cross-function team, develop and capture requirements for powertrain customer interface features and technologies. 
  • Translate requirements into control system designs to achieve program targets.
  • Design and validate control algorithms (Model Based Design with Matlab/Simulink and C-code) to meet functional, regulatory, safety requirements, and functional safety requirements (ISO 26262).
  • Develop & apply powertrain control system software validation test methods, tools, and processes to ensure system functionality and robustness.
  • Develop powertrain system plant models and HIL/SIL/MIL validation infrastructure to support vehicle program plans and quality objectives.
  • Troubleshoot vehicle / powertrain system functional and diagnostic issues; determine / validate corrective actions and preventive measures.
  • Lead control system project planning and program management to meet functional, quality, and timing objectives.

Ford logo

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