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Powertrain Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Manufacturing Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$60K - $95K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Support manufacturing and assembly operations for engines, powertrain systems, cast components, and ...

RFA Engineering

Quality/Test Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Support quality, validation, and testing activities for engine, powertrain, and off-highway ...

Dynamic Manufacturing

Test Engineer

Hillside, IL · On-site

$65K - $120K/yr

... and powertrain parts. The Test Engineer is expected to have a demonstrable understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical, and electrical concepts. They should also be able to analyze test ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... powertrain, and machine systems. Projects may include diesel and natural gas engines, axles, drives ...

Rivian

Sr. Series Engineer, Powertrain

Normal, IL

$98K - $123K/yr

Role Summary In this position, you will be the liaison between Driveline Product Development and Manufacturing Engineering for Driveline Production lines and the general assembly of our electric ...

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Powertrain Engineer information

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$30

$43

$61

How much do powertrain engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for powertrain engineer in Illinois is $43.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.86 and $47.74 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?

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
Infographic showing various Powertrain Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,960 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Powertrain Systems Engineer

Tachyon Technologies LLC

Peoria, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Overview:
Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced Powertrain Systems Engineer to lead system-level analysis, requirement engineering, and functional decomposition for next-generation propulsion systems. The role involves working across mechanical, electrical, and software domains to define, analyze, and validate powertrain system behavior across the V-model development lifecycle. The candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams and support agile development of advanced propulsion technologies including conventional and hybrid systems.
Key responsibilities:
  • Perform powertrain system function analysis and functional decomposition for vehicle propulsion systems
  • Lead requirements elicitation, definition, and traceability from system level down to software level across the V-model lifecycle
  • Develop and maintain high-level propulsion system functional requirements using IBM DOORS / IBM DOORS Next Generation (DNG)
  • Define and document system attributes, interfaces, and requirements traceability in DNG
  • Identify, analyze, and document propulsion system operating modes and system behaviors
  • Understand and model energy conversion, storage, and delivery mechanisms in propulsion systems
  • Ensure compliance with automotive standards, including OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) requirements
  • Participate in Agile development processes, including backlog planning, sprint reviews, and risk identification
  • Develop simulation and virtual models for propulsion features/functions using MATLAB/Simulink
  • Create system architecture models using SysML tools such as IBM Rhapsody
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software, calibration, validation, and hardware engineering teams
  • Support system validation, integration, and change management across the product lifecycle

Professional Skills:
  • Powertrain system engineering (conventional & hybrid propulsion systems)
  • System-level function analysis & functional decomposition
  • Requirements engineering & traceability (V-Model lifecycle)
  • IBM DOORS / DOORS Next Generation (DNG) for requirements management
  • Propulsion system operating modes definition & analysis
  • Automotive powertrain architecture & vehicle system understanding
  • Vehicle dynamics and overall vehicle behavior understanding
  • MATLAB / Simulink for simulation and virtual modeling
  • SysML / IBM Rhapsody for system modeling and architecture design
  • Automotive standards compliance (including OBD - On-Board Diagnostics)
  • Agile methodology (backlog planning, sprint participation, risk identification)
  • Cross-functional collaboration (software, calibration, validation, hardware teams)
  • Change management and vehicle development lifecycle understanding
  • Technical documentation and requirement specification development

Skills:
Powertrain systems engineering (ICE & hybrid) Requirements engineering & V-model traceability IBM DOORS / DOORS Next Generation (DNG) Vehicle dynamics & powertrain architecture MATLAB / Simulink modeling

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