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Powertrain Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAPA Transmission

Powertrain Engineer

Utica, MI · On-site

S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractor, is seeking a highly experienced Powertrain Engineer to support the modeling, simulation, and system-level integration of the Advanced Combat Transmission ...

SAPA Transmission

Powertrain Engineer

Utica, MI · On-site

S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractor, is seeking a highly experienced Powertrain Engineer to support the modeling, simulation, and system-level integration of the Advanced Combat Transmission ...

MICROVAST INC

Lead Powertrain Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Lead Powertrain Engineer (powertrain & school bus experience required) Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but energetically shaping it? Join the Microvast ...

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

Role Summary The Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer is part of the NVH Attributes team and plays a critical role in driving the noise, & vibration refinement of Rivian electric powertrains. This position ...

Humble Robotics

Senior Powertrain Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Powertrain Engineer owns the architecture, design, and delivery of the full electric powertrain system - including battery, high voltage distribution, motors, inverters ...

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

Role Summary The Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer is part of the NVH Attributes team and plays a critical role in driving the noise, & vibration refinement of Rivian electric powertrains. This position ...

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI

Role Summary The Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer is part of the NVH Attributes team and plays a critical role in driving the noise, & vibration refinement of Rivian electric powertrains. This position ...

Navier

Senior Electric Powertrain Engineer

Alameda, CA

$121K - $158K/yr

: Navier is seeking a senior powertrain electrical engineer to join our team and lead the development of a custom electric powertrain for hydrofoil boats. Responsibilities: * Architect and deliver a ...

Club Car LLC

Senior Powertrain Engineer

Evans, GA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

... powertrain systems, and participate in projects in accordance with engineering excellence. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES * Subject matter expert in 1 or more subsystems in mechanical vehicle ...

Navier

Senior Electric Powertrain Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Navier is seeking a senior powertrain electrical engineer to join our team and lead the development of a custom electric powertrain for hydrofoil boats. Responsibilities: * Architect and deliver a ...

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How much do powertrain engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for powertrain engineer in the United States is $45.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.11 and $49.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Powertrain Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during the vehicle development process?

Powertrain Engineers work closely with a variety of teams, including electrical, software, chassis, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure the integration and performance of the powertrain system within the overall vehicle architecture. Collaboration often involves regular meetings, cross-functional design reviews, and troubleshooting sessions to address interface issues and optimize system efficiency. Effective communication skills and a proactive approach are essential, as Powertrain Engineers must coordinate requirements, resolve conflicts, and align project timelines with other departments throughout the development cycle.

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

To thrive as a Powertrain Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, with expertise in powertrain systems and vehicle dynamics, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, and knowledge of emissions and fuel efficiency standards are important, as is experience with testing equipment. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and address complex engineering challenges. These skills ensure you can design, develop, and optimize powertrain systems that meet performance, regulatory, and customer requirements.

What is the difference between Powertrain Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPowertrain EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering; often requires experience in vehicle systemsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; broad engineering background
Work EnvironmentAutomotive or aerospace industries, R&D labs, manufacturing plantsManufacturing, product design, R&D across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery sectorsWidely used across multiple industries including automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing

Powertrain Engineers focus on designing and developing vehicle propulsion systems, including engines and transmissions, mainly in automotive and aerospace sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across industries. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Powertrain Engineers specialize in vehicle propulsion, whereas Mechanical Engineers work on diverse mechanical projects.

What does a Powertrain Engineer do?

A Powertrain Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and improving the components that make up a vehicle’s powertrain system, such as the engine, transmission, driveline, and related electronics. They work to optimize performance, efficiency, and emissions, ensuring that vehicles meet regulatory standards and customer expectations. Powertrain Engineers collaborate with other engineering teams, use simulation tools, and often participate in prototype testing to refine their designs. Their work is essential in both traditional internal combustion and electric/hybrid vehicle systems.

What Does a Powertrain Engineer Do?

A powertrain engineer works in the automotive industry to design transportation, such as cars, motorbikes, or commercial vehicles. In this career, you focus on the aesthetics and technical performance of powertrain components as well as the electronics and software used in modern vehicles. Your job duties include calculating project budgets and timescales, building prototypes and conducting tests, interpreting data, finding high-quality materials to use, and conducting research on parts. You are also responsible for answering client questions and complying with their needs. Qualifications for this career include an engineering degree and experience with design.

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Powertrain Engineer jobs near you
Powertrain Engineer

Powertrain Engineer

SAPA Transmission

Utica, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job description:

SAPA Transmission, a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractor, is seeking a highly experienced Powertrain Engineer to support the modeling, simulation, and system-level integration of the Advanced Combat Transmission (ACT) across a wide range of vehicle architectures. This role serves as a technical subject-matter expert for analytical activities, concept evaluations, and customer-focused solution studies involving multiple engine configurations, hybridization strategies, and mission profiles. The ideal candidate combines deep powertrain systems expertise with strong analytical, communication, and customer-engagement skills.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop concept-level powertrain architectures utilizing various engine technologies, including diesel, gasoline, hybrid, turbine, and alternative fuels.
  • Design prototype powerpacks including heat exchanger sizing and selection, fan and fan drive sizing and selection, final drive ratio and PTO power definition.
  • Develop and maintain vehicle-level powertrain models (1D, multi-physics, and control-oriented) to evaluate ACT transmission integration.
  • Perform performance, efficiency, thermal, durability, and drivability analyses across diverse vehicle platforms.
  • Conduct trade studies comparing engine configurations, torque curves, gear ratios, cooling strategies, and system boundaries.
  • Validate analytical predictions using test data, simulation tools, and cross-functional engineering inputs.
  • Prepare and present technical analyses, performance projections, and integration assessments to OEM and defense customers.
  • Serve as a key technical contact supporting customer powertrain integration inquiries.
  • Support business development efforts through technical input for proposals, technical responses, and feasibility assessments.
  • Provide technical guidance to vehicle OEMs on ACT packaging, mounting, lubrication, cooling loops, and control system interfaces.
  • Mentor junior engineers through technical guidance in modeling, simulation, and powertrain analysis.
  • Develop and maintain powertrain analysis tools, models, and best practices.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance integration efficiency and analytical accuracy.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in powertrain systems engineering, vehicle integration, or transmission/engine modeling.
  • Strong expertise with modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Creo, Siemens NX, or equivalent.
  • Deep understanding of internal combustion engines, vehicle dynamics, drivelines, and control systems.
  • Demonstrated experience performing tradeoff analyses, concept studies, and customer-facing technical presentations.
  • Ability to interpret complex data, lead technical discussions, and provide clear recommendations.
  • Experience with military/defense vehicle systems or heavy-duty powertrains.
  • Knowledge of hybrid-electric powertrain integration and control strategy development preferred.
  • Familiarity with thermal modeling, NVH, and durability prediction techniques.

Benefits:

  • 6% retirement plan contribution by SAPA Transmission (regardless of employee contribution to 401k plan).
  • Paid Holiday, Time Off (PTO), and sick time.
  • Medical, Rx, dental, vision and life insurance benefits with minimal employee contribution.
  • Short and long-term disability.



SAPA Transmission is an Equal Opportunity Employer