1

Powertrain Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$84K - $127K/yr

Familiarity with emerging EV/ZEV regulations and alternative powertrain compliance requirements. Technical Engineering Knowledge * Understanding of diesel and commercial vehicle powertrain systems.

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$85K - $96K/yr

Apply strong understanding of powertrain filtration systems gained through hands-on experience ... Engineering Support * Create and maintain engineering documentation including engineering drawings ...

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$85K - $96K/yr

Apply strong understanding of powertrain filtration systems gained through hands-on experience ... Engineering Support * Create and maintain engineering documentation including engineering drawings ...

Electrical Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... powertrain systems, and off-highway construction and mining equipment. Work may include vehicle ...

Showing results 21-40

Powertrain Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$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.

More about Powertrain Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Powertrain Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Powertrain Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

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.

Sr. Series Engineer, Powertrain

Rivian

Normal, IL • On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 26 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
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 drive units. The job opening will be located at our Normal, Illinois facility and report directly to the Sr. Manager, Driveline Series Engineering.
Responsibilities
• Maintain Product Integrity
• Multidisciplinary Team Cooperation and Coordination
• Team Leadership
• High Level Decision Making
• BOM Creation
• DVP Definition
• Stack-Up Analysis
• Risk evaluation for engineering changes/deviations
• Support new program/engineering changes/launch
• Plant support
• Implement engineering changes proposed by suppliers
• Support Manufacturing Process Changes
• Point of contact between corporate PE and plant
• Point of contact for suppliers (design related discussions)
• VAVE support
• Print/BOM release
Qualifications
• Mechanical Engineer/Mechatronic Engineer/Electrical Engineer with automotive experience
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years' experience in automotive/aeronautic/mechanical design
• Multidisciplinary team leadership
• Process knowledge, DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R development, APQP
• Working level understanding of GD&T, Root Cause Analysis, Statistics/Data Analysis, VAVE
• Proactive
• Project Planning
• Develop, Design, Validate and Release design changes applicable to components/systems (BOM responsible)
• CAD proficient
• Verbal and written communication / negotiation skills (Product to Plant/Suppliers to Product)
Pay Disclosure
Salary Range Illinois-Based Applicants: $98,500-$123,100 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy and Technology
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.
AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.
Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

What Rivian employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Rivian logo

About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009