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Powertrain Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Sr. Test Technician II, Powertrain

Tustin, CA · On-site

Role Summary The Test Technician, Powertrain is responsible for operating and maintaining ... Supported by the broader engineering team, the technician provides first-line troubleshooting of ...

Archer

Lead Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$182K - $228K/yr

We're looking for a Lead Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer to bridge the gap between design and high-volume production. We are specifically seeking an expert in Battery/HVPS (High Voltage Power ...

Archer

Manager, Powertrain Manufacturing

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $190K/yr

We're seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Design Engineering (MDE) Manager to lead the powertrain manufacturing team. This role sits on the Manufacturing Design Engineering group and owns the ...

Archer

Manager, Powertrain Manufacturing

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $190K/yr

This role sits on the Manufacturing Design Engineering group and owns the specification, design, launch and ramp of advanced powertrain manufacturing equipment in a high-volume production environment.

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Powertrain Engineer information

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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 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.

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

Sustaining Engineer, Powertrain & Thermal Systems

Zoox

Foster City, CA

$153K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

At Zoox, we are developing a purpose-built autonomous robotaxi, and the Sustaining Engineering team plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term reliability, safety, serviceability, and availability of our fleet as it operates at scale.

As a Sustaining Engineer supporting Powertrain and Thermal Systems, you will independently own sustaining engineering for key subsystems supporting both the in service fleet and vehicles in current production. You will drive root cause investigations and corrective actions, making subsystem-level technical decisions and leading changes through design, validation, release, and fleet implementation.

This role requires close collaboration with Vehicle Development, Manufacturing, Service, Quality, Reliability, and Suppliers in a fast-paced and often ambiguous environment. You will prioritize work based on fleet and production impact, delivering solutions that improve safety, durability, fleet uptime, and manufacturing performance.

In this role, you will:
  • Own sustaining engineering and corrective action development for powertrain and thermal systems across the in service fleet and vehicles in current production, from root cause confirmation through fleet-wide implementation
  • Drive end-to-end resolution of field and manufacturing issues across electric drive systems, battery systems, power electronics, and thermal management systems
  • Apply fleet and production data, including MTBF, repeat failure rates, and downtime drivers, to prioritize work, validate solutions, and drive continuous improvement
  • Lead design updates and system improvements, ensuring robust performance, durability, efficiency, and serviceability in both fleet and production environments
  • Author and manage Engineering Change Requests and Change Actions, and develop and execute validation plans at component, system, and vehicle levels
  • Support and lead retrofit and rework campaigns, and partner with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve reliability and manufacturability
Qualifications
  • BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related discipline
  • 8+ years of experience in powertrain, thermal, battery, or EV systems within a product development, manufacturing, or sustaining environment
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver subsystem-level corrective actions that improve reliability, durability, manufacturability, or serviceability in production vehicles
  • Experience with root cause analysis, DFMEA, and product and process validation
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities
Bonus Qualifications
  • Experience in autonomous vehicles
  • Experience with Design for Manufacturing and Design for Service (DFM/DFS), and Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD tools, CATIA preferred, and familiarity with tools such as 3DX, DELMIA, SAP, JIRA, Confluence, or data analysis or visualization tools such as dashboards, SQL, and Python 
$153,000 - $184,000 a year
Base Salary Range
 
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
 
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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