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Powertrain Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Schnabel Engineering

Senior Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural ...

Collins Engineers Inc.

Engineer (48426)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$66K - $83K/yr

As an Entry Level-Structural Inspection Engineer, in our Fairfax, Virginia, office, you will have the chance to be coached by seasoned engineers. The successful candidate will have a background and ...

Collins Engineers, Inc

Engineer (48426)

Fairfax, VA

As an Entry Level-Structural Inspection Engineer, in our Fairfax, Virginia, office, you will have the chance to be coached by seasoned engineers. The successful candidate will have a background and ...

Schnabel Engineering, Inc.

Senior Engineer

Sterling, VA

$85K - $150K/yr

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural ...

US Department of the Navy

ENGINEER

Portsmouth, VA

$127K/yr

Leading complex engineering or technology projects by managing cross-functional teams through planning, execution, and sustainment within cost, schedule, and performance constraints. This includes ...

Careers Fields -- Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

$62K/yr

Serve as Project Engineer at the Resident Office, advising and coordinating field staff and contractors through planning operations, controlling quality of construction, gathering data for estimates ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

ENGINEER

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$127K/yr

ENGINEERING SERIES (08XX): Successful completion of a professional engineering degree. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a school of engineering with ...

US Department of the Navy

ENGINEER

Norfolk, VA

$127K/yr

ENGINEERING SERIES (08XX): Successful completion of a professional engineering degree. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a school of engineering with ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

ENGINEER

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$102K/yr

General Engineering Series, 0801 Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious ...

US Department of the Navy

ENGINEER

Dahlgren, VA

$102K/yr

General Engineering Series, 0801 Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious ...

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All JobsPowertrain Engineer JobsPowertrain Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Powertrain Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$30

$44

$63

How much do powertrain engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for powertrain engineer in Virginia is $44.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.77 and $48.85 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 the most commonly searched types of Powertrain Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Powertrain Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Powertrain Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Powertrain Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Powertrain Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Powertrain Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Powertrain Engineer jobs in VA? For Powertrain Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Powertrain Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Powertrain Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,062 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Senior Engineer

Senior Engineer

Schnabel Engineering

Sterling, VA • On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United States.
Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.
Benefit options include:
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
  • Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
  • Long-term disability
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
  • Bonus program
  • Paid time off
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Wellness program
  • Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:
Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation.
The Sterling office is seeking a Senior Engineer to join our growing practice in the Northern Virginia area. We seek candidates which provide subject matter expertise and problem-solving skills to analyze above and underground structures and related systems which are included in these facilities. The ideal candidate will have experience in design, operation, specifications, and construction for a variety of defense and industrial facilities. You will work in a collaborative team environment with professionals representing a number of engineering and scientific skills.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Perform engineering analyses and report writing
  • Prepare 3-D models
  • Perform research and analyses on facility systems
  • Provide oral briefings to clients

Required Skills/Experience:
  • Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Mining, Structural, Geotechnical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university, or equivalent experience
  • A Licensed Professional Engineer is highly desirable.
  • 10+ years of professional experience.
  • Strong work ethic and desire to perform professionally at a high level
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with computer-aided and modeling programs applicable to structural analysis
  • Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit, and Bluebeam
  • Master's Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Mining, Structural, Geotechnical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university

Other Requirements:
  • Possess and maintain a US DoD TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph
  • Must possess a valid driver's license as driving is an essential function of the job
  • Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
  • Willing to travel two to three weeks per year

The compensation range for this position is between $85,000 to $150,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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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