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Powertrain Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI

This role will be located at Rivian's Plymouth, MI engineering offices, with expected travel to ... Lead powertrain NVH development across electric drive units, including electric motors, gearboxes ...

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

This role will be located at Rivian's Plymouth, MI engineering offices, with expected travel to ... Lead powertrain NVH development across electric drive units, including electric motors, gearboxes ...

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

This role will be located at Rivian's Plymouth, MI engineering offices, with expected travel to ... Lead powertrain NVH development across electric drive units, including electric motors, gearboxes ...

Optimal Inc.

Data Management Specialist

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

Engineering Data Analytics Specialist - Powertrain Programs. The Engineering Data Analytics Specialist supports Technical Value Management (TVM) initiatives across powertrain engineering ...

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Powertrain Engineering information

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How much do powertrain engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for powertrain engineering 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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Powertrain engineers in the automotive industry can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and simulation tools, and working for major manufacturers or in senior roles. High compensation often correlates with specialization, leadership positions, or working in regions with higher living costs.

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 a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools (such as MATLAB/Simulink), and industry standards is commonly required, along with certifications like FE or PE being advantageous. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and drive innovation. These skills ensure the development of efficient, reliable, and regulatory-compliant powertrain systems essential for modern vehicles.

What does a powertrain engineer do?

A powertrain engineer designs, develops, and tests components of a vehicle's powertrain system, including engines, transmissions, and drivetrains. They analyze performance data, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and emissions standards, often using CAD software and testing facilities. Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems is essential for this role.

What is powertrain engineering?

Powertrain engineering is a specialized field of automotive engineering focused on the design, development, and integration of the systems that generate power and deliver it to the road, such as engines, transmissions, drivetrains, and related components. Powertrain engineers work to optimize performance, efficiency, and emissions of vehicles, including traditional internal combustion engines as well as hybrid and electric powertrains. Their work is crucial for advancing vehicle technology, meeting regulatory standards, and improving overall driving experience.

What engineers make $500,000?

Powertrain engineers in senior or executive roles, especially those working in automotive or aerospace industries, can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills in design and testing, and often involve leadership responsibilities or specialized expertise. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options.

What are the typical challenges faced by powertrain engineers when working on new vehicle models?

Powertrain engineers often encounter challenges balancing performance, fuel efficiency, emissions compliance, and cost when developing powertrains for new vehicle models. They must work closely with cross-functional teams—such as design, testing, and manufacturing—to ensure that the powertrain integrates seamlessly with the overall vehicle architecture. Keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, such as electrification and hybrid systems, also requires ongoing learning and adaptability. Additionally, meeting tight project deadlines while managing complex simulations and prototype testing can be demanding but rewarding.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Powertrain engineers in the automotive and aerospace industries can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and simulation tools, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in senior or managerial positions, or in companies with a focus on high-performance or luxury vehicles.

What is the difference between Powertrain Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPowertrain EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentAutomotive or aerospace industries, R&D labs, manufacturing plantsVarious industries including manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and product design
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive OEMs, suppliers, motorsport teamsBroad industry applications across sectors

Powertrain Engineering focuses specifically on designing and developing vehicle propulsion systems, such as engines and transmissions, primarily in the automotive industry. Mechanical Engineering is a broader field covering various mechanical systems and devices across multiple industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Powertrain Engineers specialize in vehicle propulsion, whereas Mechanical Engineers work on a wider range of mechanical systems.

More about Powertrain Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Powertrain Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Powertrain Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Powertrain Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Powertrain Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Powertrain Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Powertrain Engineering jobs are:
Powertrain Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Powertrain Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,868 per year, or $45.1 per hour.
Configuration Management - Specalist - Powertrain

Configuration Management - Specalist - Powertrain

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 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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