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Powertrain Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dtna

Systems Integration Engineer III

Portland, OR · On-site

$142K/yr

Serve as engineering lead for Powertrain Systems Reliability Growth in-vehicle validation. Drive and support the daily operation of a vehicle test fleet, failure root cause analysis, and to ...

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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 the United States is $45.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.11 and $49.28 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
Configuration Management - Specalist - Powertrain

Configuration Management - Specalist - Powertrain

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
What You'll Do
As the Configuration Manager embedded within the Powertrain engineering group, you will own the configuration integrity of Archer's electric battery-powered propulsion system - from individual components through the aircraft-level assembly. You will be the CM expert that the powertrain team relies on daily, combining deep product familiarity with rigorous configuration management discipline. Your success is measured by the accuracy and traceability of powertrain BOM structures, the quality of change packages entering the Change Review Board, and the reliability of your coordination with supply chain and manufacturing to execute approved changes.
  • Own and maintain the powertrain BOM structure in the PLM system, including component configurations, assemblies, and sub-assemblies across all build states
  • Define and manage effectivity for propulsion system hardware, aligning component configurations to aircraft serial numbers, block changes, and program milestones
  • Maintain configuration traceability between powertrain items and the aircraft-level BOM, ensuring changes are reflected accurately at the top-level assembly
  • Establish and maintain powertrain configuration baselines for design, development, test, and production
  • Partner with powertrain engineers to plan changes, define scope, identify affected configuration items, and determine appropriate effectivity windows
  • Facilitate change implementation planning with supply chain to address cut-in points, parts disposition, and procurement impacts
  • Coordinate with manufacturing to define retrofit and forward-fit requirements for approved engineering changes
  • Partner with the central Configuration Management team to ensure powertrain data aligns with enterprise CM standards and audit requirements
  • Perform functional and physical configuration audits for propulsion system hardware
  • Generate and maintain configuration status accounting reports for program management and leadership visibility
  • Investigate and resolve BOM discrepancies, effectivity conflicts, and data integrity issues in the PLM system
What You Need
  • 3+ years of configuration management experience at an aerospace or automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier
  • Hands-on experience managing hardware BOMs and product structures in a PLM system (Teamcenter, Windchill, Enovia, or equivalent)
  • Understanding of effectivity methods - unit, serial number, and date-based - and their application to hardware change management
  • Experience coordinating change implementation across supply chain and manufacturing stakeholders
  • Familiarity with engineering change processes (CRs, CNs, ECOs, ECNs) from initiation through release and close
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and technical documentation
  • Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and all levels of company leadership
Bonus Qualifications
  • Experience in electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid powertrain development at an automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier
  • Familiarity with aerospace CM standards and certification processes (ARP4754)
  • Hands-on experience with Siemens Teamcenter
  • Knowledge of configuration management standards (CMII, EIA-649)
  • Experience working in agile or model-based development programs
  • Familiarity with the hardware development lifecycle from prototype through production release
  • US Person status to support Configuration Management activities of ITAR-controlled hardware

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are offering $126,700.00 - $158,400.00 per year.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

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