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Powertrain Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Powertrain Operations information

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$31.5K

$77.3K

$136.5K

How much do powertrain operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for powertrain operations in the United States is $77,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is powertrain operations?

Powertrain Operations refer to the processes and departments involved in the development, manufacturing, and management of powertrain systems in vehicles. A powertrain includes all the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, such as the engine, transmission, driveshafts, and differentials. Teams in Powertrain Operations work on designing, assembling, testing, and improving these components for efficiency, performance, and compliance with regulations. Their work is crucial to ensuring vehicles operate smoothly and meet industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in powertrain operations?

To thrive in Powertrain Operations, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, automotive systems, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, engine diagnostic tools, and quality management systems is often required, along with certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this environment. These skills and qualities ensure efficient production, high-quality powertrain components, and the ability to quickly resolve technical issues in a fast-paced industry.

What are some common challenges faced in powertrain operations, and how can new hires effectively manage them?

In Powertrain Operations, professionals often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments to ensure timely production, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and maintaining strict quality standards under tight deadlines. New hires can manage these challenges by developing strong communication skills, staying current with industry advancements, and proactively collaborating with cross-functional teams. Emphasizing problem-solving and continuous learning will help individuals quickly adapt and contribute to the efficiency and reliability of the powertrain manufacturing process.

What is the difference between Powertrain Operations vs Powertrain Engineering?

AspectPowertrain OperationsPowertrain Engineering
Primary FocusManufacturing, assembly, and process optimization of powertrain componentsDesign, development, and testing of powertrain systems and components
Required CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or associate degrees in manufacturing or mechanical fieldsRequires engineering degrees (B.S., M.S.) in mechanical, automotive, or related engineering
Work EnvironmentFactory floors, production lines, and manufacturing plantsDesign labs, engineering offices, and R&D facilities
Industry UsageUsed by automotive manufacturers focusing on production efficiencyUsed by automotive OEMs and suppliers involved in powertrain design

Powertrain Operations focuses on the manufacturing and assembly processes, ensuring efficient production of powertrain components. In contrast, Powertrain Engineering is centered on designing and developing powertrain systems. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

More about Powertrain Operations jobs

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

The top searched job categories for Powertrain Operations jobs are:

Infographic showing various Powertrain Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,254 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Powertrain Manufacturing Test Systems Supervisor

Dearborn, MI • Hybrid


Ford Motor Company
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 525 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 45 rated automakers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$115K - $218K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Ford's Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering (PTME) team is looking for a dynamic Test Engineering Supervisor to lead engineering teams delivering Test Equipment for next-generation ICE, Electric and Hybrid powertrain programs across North America facilities, directly supporting Ford's commitment to innovation and electric vehicle transformation. You'll drive program launches from concept to implementation, partnering with Manufacturing Strategy, Product Engineering, and Suppliers to ensure top-tier quality, cost, and timing. 

You will be instrumental in driving cross-functional collaboration, working closely with our Product Engineering teams to champion Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles and ensure robust production feasibility from concept to launch.  Beyond technical delivery, you'll coach and mentor your team, fostering a safe and high-performing culture. This is an exciting opportunity for a manufacturing engineering self-starter ready to shape the future of Ford's powertrain operations.

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.We build world-class vehicles in our plants around the world, constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. It's our people who really make the difference. We encourage all of our employees to think outside the box to help us find better and more efficient ways to manufacture our vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Technical Experience

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering
  • Strong analytical capability, with data driven mindset/decision-making
  • 5 years of manufacturing experience in Assembly & Test process engineering and New Programs / Launches (Transmission, Power Unit, eMotor, Axle)

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

  • Demonstrate leadership in Ford OS Behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal, teambuilding and communication skills
  • Must be a self-starter and self-directed

Adaptability & Organizational Effectiveness

  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to remain resilient in times of ambiguity and change

Work Flexibility & Mobility

  • Flexible work locations with ability to travel within the US, Canada and Mexico based on business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

Technical & Functional Experience

  • Experience in Powertrain Test Engineering or Controls Engineering
  • Experience with various test processes (leak test, in-process test, EOL Final Test, etc.)
  • Experience participating in or contributing to process improvement, standardization, or organizational change initiatives

Team Leadership & Collaboration

  • Proven ability to lead diverse, high functioning teams
  • Servant leadership mentality
  • Proven ability to build strong partnerships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, such as plant teams, engineering peers, and global functional teams

Results & Problem-Solving Orientation

  • Proven record of customer focused work and results
  • Proven ability to identify, analyze assembly issues and develop solutions within a high functioning team (strong problem-solving skills)

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Mindset

  • Foundational understanding of FPS (Ford Production System) or equivalent Lean Operating Systems, with a desire to further develop these skills

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $115,500-$218,100.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

#LI-Onsite

#LI-GR1  #GME

Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Program Delivery

  • Lead an engineering team to design, build and implement test equipment for future model powertrain programs to our North American manufacturing facilities for ICE, Electric and Hybrid powertrains.
  • Lead and support your engineering team in planning for and meeting program delivery timing ensuring robust and quality driven equipment installation and readiness

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategic Planning

  • Work with Manufacturing Strategy (MSAP) on cost study responses, manufacturing assessments and implementation planning to meet investment and timing requirements
  • Collaborate with Product Engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturing and production feasibility
  • Partner with Purchasing and OEM Suppliers for competitive pricing, robust processes and innovation

Operational Support & Issue Resolution

  • Support plant operations teams to address Quality High Hurts, obsolescence and Critical Asset Failure Mitigation (CAFM) projects

Standards, Compliance & Process Governance

  • Ensure processes, facilities, equipment, and tooling are provided for new programs in accordance with published Powertrain Standards, Strategies, Bill of Process (BOP), Procedures and Guidelines, and Global Product Development System (GPDS) requirements.
  • Develop, maintain and continuously improve Powertrain BoP Standards

Engineering Excellence & Quality Systems

  • Drive Simultaneous Engineering activities, cost studies and investment efficiency activities to meet targets
  • Deliver Quality Operating System (QOS) requirements through Failure Mode Avoidance, Dynamic Control Planning, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (e.g. FMA, DCP, FMEAs, SCCAF etc.)

Automation & Continuous Improvement

  • Utilize Lessons Learned / Continuous Improvement Process
  • Provide plant assistance for ongoing Kaizen events and extraordinary quality/downtime challenges

People Management & Talent Development

  • Perform supervisory duties (objectives, check-ins, performance reviews, travel requests, timecard approvals, compensation planning) for all personnel assigned
  • Assess employee competencies and support Individual Development Plans; support employee growth through training classes and development assignments
  • Direct, mentor and develop your team in their personal and professional growth, providing actionable feedback and recognizing achievements, ensuring a safe and continuous learning environment.


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