ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Powertrain Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Mason City

City Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$117K - $150K/yr

Description The City of Mason City is accepting applications for the position of City Engineer, responsible for directing the Engineering Department and administering municipal engineering programs ...

City of Mason City, IA

City Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$117K - $150K/yr

Engineering Opening Date: 06/18/2026 Residency Requirement?: Yes Description The City of Mason City is accepting applications for the position of City Engineer , responsible for directing the ...

Des Moines Water Works

Staff Engineer

IA · On-site

$87K - $123K/yr

Engineering Division: Engineering Opening Date: 06/17/2026 Closing Date: 7/2/2026 12:00 PM Central JOB SUMMARY Why Work at Des Moines Water Works? At Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), every employee ...

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 ...

Des Moines Water Works

Staff Engineer

Des Moines, IA

$87K - $123K/yr

Under the supervision of the Engineering Supervisor, serves as project engineer, conducts studies, designs improvements to water distribution systems, treatment facilities and processes, grounds ...

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 · 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.

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 ...

Crystal Group

Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company & Benefit Information At Crystal Group, we do hard things - designing and building rugged ...

Crystal Group

Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company & Benefit Information At Crystal Group, we do hard things - designing and building rugged ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 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.

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
Municipal Engineer

Municipal Engineer

ISG (Information Services Group)

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi-disciplinary, full-service architecture and engineering firm, supporting clients throughout the nation. As a 100% employee-owned firm with 14 offices across five states, we thrive on collaboration, innovation, and deliver exceptional results for clients nationwide. To support our continued growth, we are seeking a talented and dedicated Civil Engineer to join our dynamic Public Works team. If you're passionate about designing, building, and maintaining critical infrastructure, this opportunity is for you!

As part of our multi-disciplinary team you will work with civil, transportation, mechanical, electrical, structural, and water-wastewater engineers. Your team will include surveyors, architects, landscape architects, environmental scientists, visualization, applied technology, and construction specialists. Together we will live our ISG mission to Make a Difference and make tomorrow better than today for our clients, communities, and each other.

This position offers variety and connection, with potential travel across ISG's footprint. When travel is necessary, our team occasionally utilizes ISG's private aircraft for efficiency and flexibility.

View our Portfolio here.
  • Lead technical municipal engineering project activities focused on water systems, wastewater systems, utilities and roadway design
  • Serve as primary client contact
  • Lead, coordinate, and build teamwork among other members in all necessary disciplines
  • Deliver projects within budget, schedule, and contractual commitments
  • Work closely with relevant permitting agencies
  • Develop technical reports, feasibility studies, and engineering designs
  • Lead proposals and development of scope, schedule, and budget, with support from our dedicated marketing team
  • Establish objectives and provide performance feedback for project team members
  • Plan, coordinate and prepare designs, prepare estimates and specifications for various types of municipal engineering projects
  • Conduct site visits before and during design projects and assesses existing conditions, helping identify design needs and potential constraints
  • Works with survey, right-of-way, outside consultants and construction observation staff as needed to support project design and construction.
  • Opportunity for Business Development/fostering client development/business growth
  • Active in relevant professional organizations such as APWA, AWWA, etc
Our civil engineers are involved in nearly every project we touch. Our portfolio highlights the wide variety of work that we are doing. At ISG we have the reach to provide a variety of project types to expand your skills and the depth to focus on your passion and build your expertise.
We've listed a compensation range that reflects our expectations for this role, including both direct and indirect components.  We understand that your experience and value may fall outside of this range. If you feel you're a strong fit but your compensation needs differ, we're open to a conversation-let's talk.
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
  • Preferred 2 years of experience with direct client contact and project management
  • Preferred 5 years of experience working with technical teams, including leadership experience, and conducting hands-on engineering including design, reports, and studies for municipal engineering projects
  • Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D, etc.)
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Strong communication, report writing, organization, analytical and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to present technical information clearly to colleagues, contractors, and the public
  • We are seeking a candidate who is humble, demonstrating a genuine interest in team success over individual achievements; hungry, exhibiting a strong work ethic and passion for continuous improvement; and smart, possessing strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of team dynamics
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • Paid time off, pro-rated amount available on your start date
  • Paid holidays and paid volunteer time
  • Paid parental leave
  • Bi-annual profit sharing
  • Employee Ownership Stock Plan (ESOP)
  • Traditional + Roth 401K retirement plan
  • Life insurance
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Bereavement leave
  • Supplemental voluntary benefits
  • Short term and long-term disability
  • Parking reimbursement, varies on office location
  • Cell phone plan reimbursement
  • Mileage reimbursement for ISG-approved travel

Apply