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Powertrain Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Hermeus

Powertrain Responsible Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Powertrain Responsible Engineer you will own the mechanical components and assemblies that generate and transmit power in all forms (fluid, mechanical and electrical) throughout our hypersonic ...

Hermeus

Powertrain Responsible Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

As a Powertrain Responsible Engineer you will own the mechanical components and assemblies that generate and transmit power in all forms (fluid, mechanical and electrical) throughout our hypersonic ...

Hermeus

Powertrain Responsible Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

As a Powertrain Responsible Engineer you will own the mechanical components and assemblies that generate and transmit power in all forms (fluid, mechanical and electrical) throughout our hypersonic ...

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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 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.

Integration and Test Lead (Powertrain), Omen

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • Hybrid

$51 - $69.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,423 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril is seeking an Integration & Test Engineering Lead, specializing in Powertrain to join the Omen team at our Costa Mesa HQ. Omen is Anduril's hover-to-cruise autonomous air vehicle (AAV) that packs the endurance, payload, and mission flexibility of much larger airplanes into a novel runway-independent Group 3 platform. Omen can operate from ship decks, beaches, or remote island clearings, providing true runway independence and freedom of maneuver across defense and civilian domains. Omen is the first tail-sitter aircraft with a mass-production contract, with an order of 50 systems representing a decisive investment that anchors production and accelerates the development of future systems.
You will own all Powertrain integration and test activities across increasingly mature environments-from discrete bench tests through Hardware In Lab (HIL), Hardware In The Loop (HITL), surrogate platforms, and flight test. The Powertrain scope encompasses electric machines, inverters, gearboxes, battery modules, battery management systems (BMS), high voltage distribution, powertrain controllers, power conditioning, and associated thermal management systems. All of this in a lean, high-ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to fly new designs within months, not years.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Own all powertrain (propulsion drive, battery, hybrid management) test activities from concept through production across increasingly mature integration environments
  • Develop, review, and execute right-sized test plans for Powertrain system integration, efficiently capturing and reporting learnings, and making recommendations as inputs to design
  • Lead integration and characterization of electric machines, inverters, gearboxes, battery modules, BMS, high voltage distribution, powertrain controllers, and power conditioning components
  • Support development and operation of the Powertrain surrogate for integrated powertrain characterization and control tuning
  • Focus on the safety of integration environments, ensuring that potential harm to team members is eliminated by design, with particular attention to high voltage and stored energy hazards
  • Implement and maintain processes for configuration control of Powertrain integration environments
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), ground test, and flight test of prototype and production representative systems


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES

  • Bachelor degree or higher in Electrical, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems or aviation related technical engineering discipline
  • 5+ years experience in integration and test of hybrid powertrain systems
  • Extensive knowledge of high voltage electric drive systems including motors/generators, inverters, and power electronics
  • Experience with powertrain dynamometer testing, motor characterization, and gearbox acceptance testing
  • Adept at working safely with high voltage systems (400V+), including integration, checkout, test, and safe discharge procedures
  • Strong test engineering foundation - DAQ setup and operation, sensor selection and installation, fluency in common communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, Serial), and command line interface (CLI)
  • Extremely organized and detail-oriented, excellent verbal and written communication skills (effective for broad audiences)
  • A sincere commitment to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
  • Defense Industry background desirable
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance in United States, United Kingdom, or Australia

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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