Powertrain Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job DescriptionThe Powertrain Engineer II is responsible for researching and analyzing vehicle, technology, and market trends related to powertrain systems. Key areas of focus include efficiency, emissions impact, system output, hybridization strategies, and thermal and energy management. This work is supported through structured technology research and comprehensive competitor benchmarking.
The role also requires the ability to research, document, and effectively propose market-driven requirements to engineers and planners within MNAO and Mazda Japan, with the objective of establishing clear, data-driven requirements that support the development of Mazda powertrain systems.
Additional areas of focus include electrical consumption, electric driving range, charging speed, customer usage or electrified vehicles, and the impact of evolving regulatory trends on hardware requirements.
Benchmarking activities involve real-world vehicle testing, data acquisition (DAQ), and instrumentation, as well as the objective documentation and analysis of powertrain system performance. The position may also require advanced software and programming skills to support system evaluation, data analysis, and performance improvement efforts.

Major Responsibilities

• (60%) Powertrain systems target setting
  • Independently execute work consignments from Mazda Japan including budget estimation, task negotiation based on available resources, test planning, and execution, and comprehensive reporting that includes data analysis, conclusions, and presentation of findings.
  • Participate in future product discussions to understand upcoming product cycle and proactively evaluate Mazda's technical requirements that may impact product marketability.
  • Plan, schedule and coordinate test trips for MNAO and Mazda Japan engineering staff. Execute testing and report findings on powertrain performance under cold and hot weather conditions and high-altitude environments.
  • Develop hardware performance requirements supported by thorough data analysis; effectively present and communicate findings and recommendations to R&D management and Mazda engineers, and support adoption through ongoing dialogue and investigation updates.
  • Justify technical requirements through competitor benchmarking, including detailed data analysis and when feasible, processing of CAN data, reverse engineering competitor CAN signals, or use of service tool data loggers.
  • Support field data collection efforts performed by other MNAO and Mazda Corporate (MC) departments.
  • Evaluate and troubleshoot powertrain control systems, sensors, actuators, and on-board diagnostic systems.
  • Prepare, maintain, repair and modify data acquisition (DAQ) equipment as required to support testing objectives.

• (25%) Technology Research and Data Analysis
  • Independently propose investigations into relevant powertrain technologies and industry trends supporting Mazda's future powertrain strategies, Including the definition of engineering and hardware requirements based on regional market needs. Once approved, initiate, conduct and regularly report on these topics.
  • Collect and analyze consumer/industry trends data and competitor specification to justify North American customer requirements. Research and propose powertrain technologies hardware performance requirements necessary to meet current and forecasted requirements.

• (15%) Vehicle Testing
  • Participate in competitive vehicle evaluations to assess the actual performance and customer value of Mazda powertrain systems relative to competitors and how these findings are reflected in engineering specifications.
  • Design and execute relevant test methodologies and procedures to evaluate powertrain systems performance, including charging, fuel efficiency, towing capability, cooling performance, and regenerative operation.
  • Provide occasional support for real-world vehicle testing in collaboration with other powertrain, planning, and promotion groups.

• Perform other duties as assigned
• Comply with all policies and standards
• The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job

Work Experience

• 5+ years experience in automotive engineering required
• 5+ years experience with automotive/OEM or Tier 1 supplier or equivalent preferred
• 2+ years on road vehicle testing experience preferred

Education

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical or related Engineering preferred
• An equivalent mix of education, training, and/or work experience may be considered in place of a degree

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of automotive powertrain systems in the areas of electrification, internal combustion, charging and thermal management required (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Data analysis and process skills (MATLAB, statistics, regression analysis) required (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Proficiency with automotive test equipment, data acquisition and instrumentation configurations for vehicle applications. (Vector, ETAS, VBOX, CAN) required (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Knowledge of software development (programing experience) to develop tools for CAN and data analysis/processing (Python, etc.) preferred (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Ability to work independently and sustain projects with minimal supervision required (Advanced-Authority)
• Adaptability to work in a corporate work environment with strong Japanese influence and multiple time zones required (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Japanese language skills preferred (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Proficient vehicle evaluation skills and performance driving experience preferred (Developing-Intermediate)
• Ability to perform basic automotive repairs and understanding of DAQ tools and sensors required (Developing-Intermediate)

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position/Seated: Constantly
• Communicate/Talking: Constantly
• Communicate/Hearing: Constantly
• Repetitive Motions: Frequently
• Coordination: Frequently
• Seeing/Observing: Constantly

Travel Requirements

• 10% Driving Domestic: Essential
• 5% Flying Domestic: Essential

Pay Range$87,000.00 - $126,225.00

Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Learn more about MNAO's comprehensive benefits packagehere