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Powertrain Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MICROVAST INC

Lead Powertrain Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Lead Powertrain Engineer (school bus experience required) Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but energetically shaping it? Join the Microvast Team (NASDAQ:

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

Lead powertrain NVH development across electric drive units, including electric motors, gearboxes, bearings, differentials, pumps, mechanical disconnect solenoids, housings, mounts, and vehicle ...

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

Lead powertrain NVH development across electric drive units, including electric motors, gearboxes, bearings, differentials, pumps, mechanical disconnect solenoids, housings, mounts, and vehicle ...

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$154 - $192.50/hr

Lead powertrain NVH development across electric drive units, including electric motors, gearboxes, bearings, differentials, pumps, mechanical disconnect solenoids, housings, mounts, and vehicle ...

Rivian

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

Lead powertrain NVH development across electric drive units, including electric motors, gearboxes, bearings, differentials, pumps, mechanical disconnect solenoids, housings, mounts, and vehicle ...

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Powertrain Lead information

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$30K

$156.3K

$206K

How much do powertrain lead jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for powertrain lead in the United States is $156,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a powertrain lead?

A Powertrain Lead is an engineering professional responsible for overseeing the design, development, and integration of a vehicle’s powertrain system, which includes the engine, transmission, driveline, and related components. They coordinate teams, manage projects, and ensure that the powertrain meets performance, efficiency, and regulatory requirements. Powertrain Leads work closely with other engineering disciplines to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions for automotive or transportation products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a powertrain lead?

To thrive as a Powertrain Lead, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, extensive experience with powertrain systems, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, powertrain simulation tools, and industry standards, as well as certifications like Six Sigma or PMP, are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient development, integration, and management of powertrain projects within cross-functional teams.

What are some common challenges faced by a powertrain lead when coordinating cross-functional teams during vehicle development?

As a Powertrain Lead, one frequent challenge is ensuring effective communication and alignment between engineering, manufacturing, and testing teams. Because powertrain systems are closely integrated with other vehicle components, balancing conflicting requirements—such as performance, emissions, and cost—requires continuous collaboration and negotiation. Additionally, managing tight project timelines while adapting to evolving regulatory standards can add complexity. Proactive project management and strong interpersonal skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges and keep development on track.

What is the difference between Powertrain Lead vs Powertrain Engineer?

AspectPowertrain LeadPowertrain Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering; relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering; relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project management, cross-functional collaborationDesign, analysis, testing, and development of powertrain components
Industry UsageOversees powertrain projects, coordinates teams, ensures project deliveryDevelops and tests powertrain systems, supports design improvements

The Powertrain Lead typically manages teams and oversees project execution, while the Powertrain Engineer focuses on designing and developing powertrain components. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but the Lead emphasizes leadership and coordination within the industry.

More about Powertrain Lead jobs

What states have the most Powertrain Lead jobs?

States with the most job openings for Powertrain Lead jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Powertrain Lead jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Powertrain Lead jobs are:

Powertrain Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Powertrain Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $156,348 per year, or $75.2 per hour.

Powertrain Lead Engineer

Rivian Automotive LLC

Livonia, MI

$95K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 45 rated automakers

Job description

Responsible for managing people, parts, design, cost, timing, issues, quality, strategy, architecture, and all other aspects of the parts in the powertrain system. 15+ Most Pure EV

What Rivian employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009

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