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Powertrain Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

State of Iowa

Staff Engineer

Ames, IA · Hybrid

$66K - $103K/yr

As a Staff Engineer, you will contribute to a wide range of projects, from pavement preservation and resurfacing to bridge replacements, safety enhancements, ADA improvements, and rural/urban ...

HNTB

ITS Engineer III

Des Moines, IA · On-site

As an Engineer III you will be responsible for assisting in the production and modification of design calculations, technical reports, engineering plans, and specifications for ITS, Transit, Traffic ...

Hydrite

Senior Engineer

Waterloo, IA

$103K - $141K/yr

JOIN A TOP WORKPLACE - Senior Engineer The primary purpose of this position is to perform project engineering activities including the design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and start-up ...

Hydrite

Senior Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

JOIN A TOP WORKPLACE - Senior Engineer The primary purpose of this position is to perform project engineering activities including the design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and start-up ...

Hydrite

Senior Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

JOIN A TOP WORKPLACE - Senior Engineer The primary purpose of this position is to perform project engineering activities including the design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and start-up ...

Braun Intertec

Senior Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Review engineering work of others. * Perform engineering analysis using company and industry methodologies. * Make geotechnical recommendations and prepares engineering reports for senior review.

W&M Environmental Group

Senior Engineer

Des Moines, IA

$102K - $140K/yr

Review engineering work of others. * Perform engineering analysis using company and industry methodologies. * Make geotechnical recommendations and prepares engineering reports for senior review.

ISG

Municipal Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Municipal Engineer Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi-disciplinary, full-service ...

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All JobsPowertrain Engineer JobsPowertrain Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Powertrain Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$29

$42

$60

How much do powertrain engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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?

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 popular job titles related to Powertrain Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Powertrain Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Powertrain Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Powertrain Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Powertrain Engineer jobs in IA? For Powertrain Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Powertrain Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Powertrain Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,167 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Subcontractor Engineer

Beyond SOF

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

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 Subcontractor. In addition, Subcontractor's team as a whole shall be proficient in:
  • Excellent oral and written English skills
  • United States of America Citizen w/Security Clearance
  • Completing Criminal Background Check with No Concerns Reported
  • Knowledgeable in systems engineering concepts
  • Knowledgeable in software or have a high-level software background
  • Background in radio knowledge is desired but not necessary
  • Experience using ALM suite of tools (JAMA, JIRA, Confluence, Bamboo, etc.), or similar
  • Knowledge and Experience with Collins Aerospace engineering processes including:
    • Analysis, Requirements, Design, User documentation creation and execution
    • Test / Verification Plans, Procedures, Cases, Report creation and execution
  • Ability to adhere to formal workflow processes
  • Proficient in the following technical skills
    • Modern C++ including C++11, C++14, Java, Python, Standard Template Library, etc
    • Object oriented programming concepts and skills
    • Embedded system software debugging techniques (GDB, etc)
    • Linux build and run time environment
    • Inter Process Communication (IPC) concepts and technology (CORBA)
    • Basic Networking concepts such as TCP/IP, UDP

Subcontractor Responsibilities
Subcontractor engineers responsibilities and duties may include, but are not be limited to:
  • Understand and utilize project processes, methods, and tools
  • Manage task assignments (work packages and stories) using Collins tools (e.g. JIRA)
  • Participation in daily coordination meetings
  • Weekly status report generation

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