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Powertrain Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Experience with hydraulics, controls, powertrain, and electrical systems beneficial. * Experience ...

RFA Engineering

Systems Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry level to experienced ...

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site

Summary Project Engineer 2 is an intermediate level working in a developing capacity with increased responsibilities performing a range of duties with core members of the engineering team and a key ...

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site +1

Summary Project Engineer 2 is an intermediate level working in a developing capacity with increased responsibilities performing a range of duties with core members of the engineering team and a key ...

Beyond SOF

Subcontractor Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

Characteristics/Skills All Subcontractor engineers assigned to this project are required to meet the minimum qualifications described in the Engineering Services MTA; between Collins Aerospace and ...

Beyond SOF

Subcontractor Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Characteristics/Skills All Subcontractor engineers assigned to this project are required to meet the minimum qualifications described in the Engineering Services MTA; between Collins Aerospace and ...

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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 Iowa is $42.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.61 and $46.30 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
Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

RFA Engineering

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
This position requires aptitude in support of Dynamic Systems Modeling (DSM) and analysis as it pertains to whole machine configurations. Through the creation, refinement, and execution of system models, this position will provide analytical support to product development and design.
Job Description
  • Provide direct analytical support for one or more product groups.
  • Develop a growing understanding of product function.
  • Lead in the development of measurable dynamic performance specifications using simulation and other engineering analysis methods.
  • Work with design teams to develop virtual simulation models that can be used to verify designs analytically.
  • Develop dynamic system analysis plans for specific product development programs.
  • Report results using a standardized reporting system.
  • Document processes that can be used to continually improve our ability to analytically develop and verify our product designs.
  • Contribute to Product and Component Technical Specifications, Design Guidelines, and Engineering Analysis Procedures.
  • Create and maintain vehicle dynamic models using Matlab, Simulink and Simscape programs.

Technical Responsibilities
  • Understand the dynamic interactions of hydraulic systems, linkages, rigid bodies, engines, drivetrains, and control systems.
  • Support the development of robust control strategies for product innovation and differentiation.
  • Use Engineering analysis tools to assess complex hydro-electro-mechanical systems.
  • Contribute to the specification/selection of components and subsystems for optimal machine level performance.
  • Generate objective machine level dynamic performance objectives that capture ambiguous and/or subjective operator and customer feedback.
  • Support the vision for how analysis tools can change the way Design and PV&V Engineering work is done.
  • Resolve stability issues that can arise from the above, but that cannot be analyzed using linear theory due to the nonlinear nature of both the primitive elements and the subsystem and machine level interactions.
  • Generate mathematical models for previously un-modeled phenomena.
  • Analyze simulation results to distinguish between characteristics of the design and artifacts of the mathematical models.

Requirements
  • Bachelors of Science in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Physics or equivalent degree.
  • Masters of Science with a related concentration in System Dynamics would be ideal.
  • Strong interest in vehicle physics and free body diagrams.

Desired Skills and Experience
  • Experience with hydraulics, controls, powertrain, and electrical systems beneficial.
  • Experience with MATLAB, Simscape, Simulink, Simscape Fluids, Simscape Multibody is desirable.
  • Experience in a production environment working with cross functional teams.
  • Experience with operating agriculture equipment or off-highway mobile equipment.
  • Experience with Matlab, Simulink and Simscape, or other vehicle dynamics simulation software (i.e. Ansys Motion, GT-Suite - GT-3DMBD Vehicle Dynamics) is preferred
  • Ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of related work experience, but entry level being considered.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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