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Powertrain Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Sr. Test Engineer, Powertrain

Tustin, CA · On-site

$107K - $134K/yr

Role Summary The Sr. Test Engineer works with other members of the test team to execute system level Powertrain testing as part of Rivian's product development process. The activities also include ...

Rivian

Sr. Test Engineer, Powertrain

Tustin, CA · On-site

$107K - $134K/yr

Role Summary The Sr. Test Engineer works with other members of the test team to execute system level Powertrain testing as part of Rivian's product development process. The activities also include ...

Rivian

Sr. Test Engineer, Powertrain

Tustin, CA · On-site

$107K - $134K/yr

Role Summary The Sr. Test Engineer works with other members of the test team to execute system level Powertrain testing as part of Rivian's product development process. The activities also include ...

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Powertrain Engineer information

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$30

$44

$63

How much do powertrain engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 Electrified Powertrain Simulation Engineer

ElDorado National California Inc

Riverside, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Join a manufacturing leader with over 50 years of excellence, where every role contributes to building reliable transportation solutions that people depend on everyday across the United States and Canada. At ENC, we prioritize safety, quality, innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth – creating vehicles our teams can take pride in.
Founded in 1975, ENC (ElDorado National – California) is a leading U.S. transportation manufacturer specializing in design, engineering, and end-to-end production of heavy-duty buses, shuttles, and cargo vehicles through a custom-build, mixed-model assembly process. Each vehicle is produced in our purpose-built facility in Riverside, California supporting public agencies and private transportation providers nationwide. We offer one of the industry’s widest portfolios of power options, including 100% battery-electric, diesel-electric hybrid, CNG, and clean diesel.
ENC is committed to revitalizing American manufacturing through innovation, customer focus, and the delivery of high-quality vehicles that keep communities connected, supported, and moving forward.
Senior Electrified Powertrain Simulation Engineer
Location: Riverside, CA
Salary Range: $145,000 - $175,000

Position Summary:
Responsible for the development of electric powertrain for ENC’s current and future electric vehicles. This person will be working in the ePowertrain department to develop the system optimization strategy and workflow. This person should have a solid background in controls and/or system engineering and a strong understanding of powertrain systems. The candidate should enjoy working on complex technical problems and delivering results that have a meaningful impact on our product. It is our belief that no complex problem can be solved optimally in isolation, so the ideal candidate should prefer to work in dynamic environments with cross-functional, diverse team members.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop electric powertrain multi-physics simulation strategies for real world driving considering devices uncertainties and nonlinearities.
  • Lead the team to identify requirements for new technologies and features for engine, transmission, and electrified propulsion systems.
  • Work with multi-disciplined engineering teams to decompose and develop the controls system requirements and quantify the requirements.
  • Develop the electrified powertrain system models, quantify the power level for all the components in the powertrain system.
  • Ensure system quality and robustness through use of tools such as CarSim or AVL Cruise, or the in-house models developed by MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Direct the system team for the component design and sizing.
  • Running the models to satisfy the thermal and power requirements for each of components.
  • Support Controls, Calibration, and Validation teams during development and issue resolution.
Position Requirements:
Required:
  • Bachelor (or above) of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related Engineering field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in System Engineering, Design Engineer, Controls Development, or Calibration.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems in heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Proficient in interpreting and applying customer specifications to engineering designs.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
  • Familiarity with vehicle manufacturing processes, DFM/DFA principles, and configuration control.
  • MUST be highly experienced on Malab/Simulink, AVL Cruise and/or CarSim.
  • Capable of creating electrified powertrain models using MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim and/or AVL Cruise.
Preferred:
  • Knowledge of FMVSS, ADA, and other applicable vehicle regulations is a plus.
  • Skilled in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks preferred) and PLM systems are a plus.
  • Exposure to model-based system engineering practices.
  • Familiar with electric machine theory, control and calibration.
  • Highly motivated/self-starter with proven leadership skills.
  • Good physical understanding of electrical machines and power electronics.
Work Environment:
  • This is an onsite position based in Riverside, CA and requires being 100% onsite.
Benefits:
  • Comprehensive benefits package: Medical (including FSA amp; HSA), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, EAP, mental health, and wellness programs
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid time off and twelve (12) paid holidays
  • Employee referral program
  • Career growth and development opportunities
Career Growth at ENC
  • We believe great careers and leaders are built from within. Many of our team members have advanced into roles that lead or into specialized technical positions. We invest in hands-on training, skill development, and long-term career pathways within manufacturing operations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ElDorado National California Inc. (ENC) is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected class under applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.
ENC takes affirmative action to employ and advance employment opportunities for minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our team.
ENC is also committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact HR Department for assistance.
In accordance with California's wage transparency law (Senate Bill 1162), we are committed to pay equity and transparency. The salary range reflected on the job positing is our good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. While we do not typically hire at the top of the salary range, initial offers are based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, with opportunities for growth and increases over time.

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