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Powertrain Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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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 Performance Test Engineer

Hyundai Motor Company

Chino, CA • Hybrid

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Powertrain Performance Test Engineer

As a powertrain performance test engineer you will be part of a team that is responsible for calibrating vehicle parameters that have a direct impact on the acceleration characteristics, fuel economy, and powertrain behavior of Hyundai/Kia/Genesis vehicles for the North American market. In this position, you will support lead engineers in defining and achieving drivability and performance targets through in-vehicle testing, calibration, voice-of-customer research, and subjective evaluation. Subject propulsion systems include internal combustion, hybrid-electric, and battery-electric, in a variety of vehicle segments.

What You Will Do
  • Instrument test vehicles with a variety of sensors (accelerometers, thermocouples, microphones, etc.) to collect data for characterizing and monitoring the vehicle's performance and drivability.
  • Identify drivability strengths and weaknesses. Perform root cause analysis with measured data to determine the powertrain control strategies responsible for the identified behaviors.
  • Plan & participate in test trips where vehicles are evaluated in a wide range of on-road driving conditions and environments.
  • Work with lead engineers to validate drivability strategies for the best match to US market expectations.
  • Perform powertrain performance testing and assist in the collection and analysis of vehicle data.
  • Participate in drive events with a panel of engineers and evaluators where you will provide the perspective of a powertrain evaluator and provide context to the comments of other evaluators.
  • Create and present clear & concise project status and technical reports.
  • Able to work in a culturally diverse team environment and in harsh climate conditions (Winter -40F, Summer +120F, altitude up to 14,000 ft)
  • Travel up to 35%, domestically and internationally to support product development and testing
What You Will Bring to the Role
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field of study
  • 1+ years of relevant engineering experience; experience in the automotive industry preferred
  • Engineering internship experience
  • Good understanding of vehicle powertrain systems and vehicle dynamics
  • Experience with data acquisition systems
  • Experience with data analysis software including MATLAB
  • Knowledgeable in simple modeling of physical systems and analysis
  • Experience in root cause analysis and problem-solving methods
  • Good written communication and presentation skills
  • Flexibility in handling multiple projects and changing priorities
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
What Hyundai Can Offer You
  • Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
  • 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
  • Range of Position: $70,000 ~ $90,000/Year
  • A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
  • Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
  • Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts 
  • Flexible Work Hours
Other Details
  • Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
    • HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.
  • Cover letter recommended

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