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Powertrain Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Navier

Senior Electric Powertrain Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$121K - $158K/yr

: Navier is seeking a senior powertrain electrical engineer to join our team and lead the development of a custom electric powertrain for hydrofoil boats. Responsibilities: * Architect and deliver a ...

Navier

Senior Electric Powertrain Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Navier is seeking a senior powertrain electrical engineer to join our team and lead the development ... Lead Navier's EE team and grow it into the premier electric boat engineering team. Required ...

Humble Robotics

Senior Powertrain Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Powertrain Engineer owns the architecture, design, and delivery of the ... Lead battery system integration, including pack design requirements, thermal strategy, HV safety ...

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Powertrain Lead information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Powertrain Lead jobs in California?

For Powertrain Lead jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Powertrain Lead jobs in California are:

Powertrain Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Powertrain Lead job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution.

Electrified Powertrain Simulation Engineer

Riverside, CA • On-site

Eldorado CA
See more jobs at Eldorado CAexternal

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Join a manufacturing leader with over 50 years of excellence, where every role contributes to building reliable transportation solutions that people depend on everyday across the United States and Canada. At ENC, we prioritize safety, quality, innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth - creating vehicles our teams can take pride in.
Founded in 1975, ENC (ElDorado National - California) is a leading U.S. transportation manufacturer specializing in design, engineering, and end-to-end production of heavy-duty buses, shuttles, and cargo vehicles through a custom-build, mixed-model assembly process. Each vehicle is produced in our purpose-built facility in Riverside, California supporting public agencies and private transportation providers nationwide. We offer one of the industry's widest portfolios of power options, including 100% battery-electric, diesel-electric hybrid, CNG, and clean diesel.
ENC is committed to revitalizing American manufacturing through innovation, customer focus, and the delivery of high-quality vehicles that keep communities connected, supported, and moving forward.
Electrified Powertrain Simulation Engineer
Location: Riverside, CA
Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000
Position Summary:
Responsible for the development of electric powertrain for ENC's current and future electric vehicles. This person will be working in the ePowertrain department to develop the system optimization strategy and workflow. This person should have a solid background in controls and/or system engineering and a strong understanding of powertrain systems. The candidate should enjoy working on complex technical problems and delivering results that have a meaningful impact on our product. It is our belief that no complex problem can be solved optimally in isolation, so the ideal candidate should prefer to work in dynamic environments with cross-functional, diverse team members.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop electric powertrain multi-physics simulation strategies for real world driving considering devices uncertainties and nonlinearities.
  • Lead the team to identify requirements for new technologies and features for engine, transmission, and electrified propulsion systems.
  • Work with multi-disciplined engineering teams to decompose and develop the controls system requirements and quantify the requirements.
  • Develop the electrified powertrain system models, quantify the power level for all the components in the powertrain system.
  • Ensure system quality and robustness through use of tools such as CarSim or AVL Cruise, or the in-house models developed by MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Direct the system team for the component design and sizing.
  • Running the models to satisfy the thermal and power requirements for each of components.
  • Support Controls, Calibration, and Validation teams during development and issue resolution.

Position Requirements:
Required:
  • Bachelor (or above) of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related Engineering field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in System Engineering, Design Engineer, Controls Development, or Calibration.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems in heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Proficient in interpreting and applying customer specifications to engineering designs.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
  • Familiarity with vehicle manufacturing processes, DFM/DFA principles, and configuration control.
  • MUST be highly experienced on Malab/Simulink, AVL Cruise and/or CarSim.
  • Capable of creating electrified powertrain models using MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim and/or AVL Cruise.

Preferred:
  • Knowledge of FMVSS, ADA, and other applicable vehicle regulations is a plus.
  • Skilled in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks preferred) and PLM systems are a plus.
  • Exposure to model-based system engineering practices.
  • Familiar with electric machine theory, control and calibration.
  • Highly motivated/self-starter with proven leadership skills.
  • Good physical understanding of electrical machines and power electronics.

Work Environment:
  • This is an onsite position based in Riverside, CA and requires being 100% onsite.

Benefits:
  • Comprehensive benefits package: Medical (including FSA & HSA), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, EAP, mental health, and wellness programs
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid time off and twelve (12) paid holidays
  • Employee referral program
  • Career growth and development opportunities

Career Growth at ENC
  • We believe great careers and leaders are built from within. Many of our team members have advanced into roles that lead or into specialized technical positions. We invest in hands-on training, skill development, and long-term career pathways within manufacturing operations.

Equal Opportunity Employer
ElDorado National California Inc. (ENC) is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected class under applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.
ENC takes affirmative action to employ and advance employment opportunities for minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our team.
ENC is also committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact HR Department for assistance.
In accordance with California's wage transparency law (Senate Bill 1162), we are committed to pay equity and transparency. The salary range reflected on the job positing is our good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. While we do not typically hire at the top of the salary range, initial offers are based on the candidate's qualifications and experience, with opportunities for growth and increases over time.

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