ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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 ...

Actalent

Design Engineer Powertrain

Sun Valley, CA

$100K - $130K/yr

Design Engineer - Powertrain We are seeking a talented Design Engineer specializing in Powertrain ... Demonstrated ability to lead a project through completion and meet deadlines. * Excellent written ...

New

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 ...

Archer

Lead Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$182K - $228K/yr

We're looking for a Lead Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer to bridge the gap between design and high-volume production. We are specifically seeking an expert in Battery/HVPS (High Voltage Power ...

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPowertrain Lead JobsPowertrain Lead Jobs in California

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 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 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 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.

Integration and Test Lead (Powertrain), Omen

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • Hybrid

$51 - $69.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,163 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril is seeking an Integration & Test Engineering Lead, specializing in Powertrain to join the Omen team at our Costa Mesa HQ. Omen is Anduril's hover-to-cruise autonomous air vehicle (AAV) that packs the endurance, payload, and mission flexibility of much larger airplanes into a novel runway-independent Group 3 platform. Omen can operate from ship decks, beaches, or remote island clearings, providing true runway independence and freedom of maneuver across defense and civilian domains. Omen is the first tail-sitter aircraft with a mass-production contract, with an order of 50 systems representing a decisive investment that anchors production and accelerates the development of future systems.
You will own all Powertrain integration and test activities across increasingly mature environments-from discrete bench tests through Hardware In Lab (HIL), Hardware In The Loop (HITL), surrogate platforms, and flight test. The Powertrain scope encompasses electric machines, inverters, gearboxes, battery modules, battery management systems (BMS), high voltage distribution, powertrain controllers, power conditioning, and associated thermal management systems. All of this in a lean, high-ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to fly new designs within months, not years.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Own all powertrain (propulsion drive, battery, hybrid management) test activities from concept through production across increasingly mature integration environments
  • Develop, review, and execute right-sized test plans for Powertrain system integration, efficiently capturing and reporting learnings, and making recommendations as inputs to design
  • Lead integration and characterization of electric machines, inverters, gearboxes, battery modules, BMS, high voltage distribution, powertrain controllers, and power conditioning components
  • Support development and operation of the Powertrain surrogate for integrated powertrain characterization and control tuning
  • Focus on the safety of integration environments, ensuring that potential harm to team members is eliminated by design, with particular attention to high voltage and stored energy hazards
  • Implement and maintain processes for configuration control of Powertrain integration environments
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), ground test, and flight test of prototype and production representative systems


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES

  • Bachelor degree or higher in Electrical, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems or aviation related technical engineering discipline
  • 5+ years experience in integration and test of hybrid powertrain systems
  • Extensive knowledge of high voltage electric drive systems including motors/generators, inverters, and power electronics
  • Experience with powertrain dynamometer testing, motor characterization, and gearbox acceptance testing
  • Adept at working safely with high voltage systems (400V+), including integration, checkout, test, and safe discharge procedures
  • Strong test engineering foundation - DAQ setup and operation, sensor selection and installation, fluency in common communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, Serial), and command line interface (CLI)
  • Extremely organized and detail-oriented, excellent verbal and written communication skills (effective for broad audiences)
  • A sincere commitment to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
  • Defense Industry background desirable
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance in United States, United Kingdom, or Australia

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Anduril Industries Jobs

Apply