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Powertrain Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Navier

Senior Electric Powertrain Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for powertrain engineer in California is $44.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.58 and $48.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

How much do powertrain engineers make in the US?

Powertrain engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized engineers with advanced skills in CAD, engine design, or control systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.
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Powertrain Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Powertrain Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,638 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Senior Powertrain Engineer

Humble Robotics

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

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, and drivetrain for our autonomous heavy duty vehicle platform.

This is a highly cross‑disciplinary, safety critical role. You will define system level architecture, drive performance and efficiency from first principles, and deliver production‑ready hardware that operates reliably under demanding real‑world conditions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Own end‑to‑end development of the electric powertrain system, including battery pack, HV architecture, motors, inverters, and drivetrain.
  • Define system architecture and key trade‑offs across performance, range, efficiency, thermal management, and durability.
  • Lead battery system integration, including pack design requirements, thermal strategy, HV safety, and interface with BMS.
  • Drive system‑level modeling and analysis (energy consumption, thermal behavior, duty cycles, and degradation).
  • Collaborate closely with controls, autonomy, electrical, and thermal teams to ensure seamless system integration.
  • Lead validation strategy and execution, including component testing, battery validation, vehicle testing, and durability testing.
  • Support prototype builds and vehicle bring‑up, including hands‑on debugging of HV and powertrain systems.
  • Own supplier technical relationships for battery systems, motors, inverters, and drivetrain components.
  • Identify and mitigate key risks across HV safety, thermal limits, and system reliability.
  • Set engineering standards, review designs, and raise the technical bar across the team.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in electric powertrain, battery systems, or vehicle propulsion.
  • Strong fundamentals in electric machines, power electronics, and lithium‑ion battery systems.
  • Experience with high voltage system design and safety considerations.
  • Proven track record delivering hardware from concept through validation.
  • Experience with system modeling tools.
  • Hands‑on experience with prototyping, testing, and debugging electromechanical systems.
  • Ability to operate independently and make high‑quality engineering decisions under uncertainty.
  • Strong cross‑functional collaboration and communication skills.
  • Eligible to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with heavy‑duty trucks or commercial EV platforms.
  • Experience with battery pack design, integration, or validation.
  • Experience with BMS, HV distribution, and thermal management systems.
  • Experience with inverter/motor integration and controls.
  • Familiarity with automotive standards (e.g., ISO 26262, SAE, FMVSS).
  • Experience scaling systems from prototype to production.
  • Experience working in fast‑paced startup or product development environments.

Humble Robotics is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law. Humble Robotics will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with local ordinances.

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