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Powertrain Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epitec

Dev/Research Engineer 2

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Research and Development Engineer Location : Chillicothe, IL Details : 12-month contract with ... and powertrain products. This role transforms complex test data into engineering insights that ...

Socket.dev

Engineer III, Powertrain

Riverside, CA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Engineer III,Powertrain Location: Riverside, CA Pay/Salary Range: $85,000 - $115,000 Position ... Experience in research and development of powertrain & drivetrain components and their application ...

Eldorado CA

Engineer III, Powertrain

Riverside, CA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Engineer III, Powertrain Location: Riverside, CA Pay/Salary Range: $85,000 - $115,000 Position ... Experience in research and development of powertrain & drivetrain components and their application ...

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

Metrology Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$74K - $94K/yr

In the Detroit Powertrain Test Center, we are driving the powertrain R&D validation for our global ... The Metrology Engineer applies engineering fundamentals and measurement principles to assist with ...

Daimler Truck North America LLC.

$74K - $94K/yr

In the Detroit Powertrain Test Center, we are driving the powertrain R&D validation for our global ... The Metrology Engineer applies engineering fundamentals and measurement principles to assist with ...

Demand Detroit

Metrology Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$74K - $94K/yr

In the Detroit Powertrain Test Center, we are driving the powertrain R&D validation for our global ... The Metrology Engineer applies engineering fundamentals and measurement principles to assist with ...

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

$74K - $94K/yr

In the Detroit Powertrain Test Center, we are driving the powertrain R&D validation for our global ... The Metrology Engineer applies engineering fundamentals and measurement principles to assist with ...

Demand Detroit

$74K - $94K/yr

In the Detroit Powertrain Test Center, we are driving the powertrain R&D validation for our global ... The Metrology Engineer applies engineering fundamentals and measurement principles to assist with ...

Daimler Truck North America

Metrology Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$74K - $94K/yr

In the Detroit Powertrain Test Center, we are driving the powertrain R&D validation for our global ... The Metrology Engineer applies engineering fundamentals and measurement principles to assist with ...

Dtna

Metrology Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$74K - $94K/yr

In the Detroit Powertrain Test Center, we are driving the powertrain R&D validation for our global ... The Metrology Engineer applies engineering fundamentals and measurement principles to assist with ...

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Powertrain Research Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do powertrain research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for powertrain research engineer in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Powertrain Research Engineer vs Powertrain Design Engineer?

AspectPowertrain Research EngineerPowertrain Design Engineer
Primary FocusResearch and development of new powertrain technologies and systemsDesign and optimization of powertrain components and layouts
Skills & CertificationsMechanical/Electrical engineering, CAD, simulation tools, R&D experienceMechanical engineering, CAD, FEA, design software proficiency
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, testing facilities, collaboration with R&D teamsDesign studios, manufacturing plants, engineering departments
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, heavy machineryAutomotive, transportation manufacturing

While both roles involve powertrain systems, a Powertrain Research Engineer focuses on developing new technologies and conducting experiments, whereas a Powertrain Design Engineer concentrates on creating and refining powertrain components for production. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Powertrain Research Engineer jobs?

For Powertrain Research Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Powertrain Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Principal Engineer-Development Quality

Northville, MI • On-site, Remote

ZF
10K+ employees
Learn more about ZFexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Provide technical direction to project teams on product, technology, and methods for development quality activities in Electrified Powertrain R&D.

  • Plan, execute, and control preventive and reactive engineering quality activities, including methods like FMEA and fault tree analysis, for development projects and serial production support.

  • Plan, implement, and improve the quality management system according to IATF 16949, conduct internal and external audits, and drive quality improvement projects.

ZF rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Req ID 90573  |  Northville, Michigan (US-MI), United States ZF Active Safety US Inc.

Job Description

*DNP* *CBD*

ZF North America Inc. has job openings (multiple) for the position of Principal Engineer-Development Quality based out of its location in Northville, MI.

Job Duties:  Provide technical direction to project team on product, technology, and methods in planning and execution of development quality activities for Electrified Powertrain R&D; Serve as primary technical expert in the Engineering Quality Team, both internally within the team as well as towards overall ZF development teams; Apply advanced engineering techniques, principles, and procedures to ensure professional execution of engineering quality activities for the Electrified Powertrain R&D Organization; Exercise discretion to define and implement latest development quality methods and tools; Liaise between the North American Development Quality Team and the Corporate, Divisional, and Product Line Quality Responsible for Development Quality tasks, methods, and processes; Plan, execute and control preventive engineering quality activities for development projects and serial production support in accordance with corporate guidelines (e.g. according to Automotive SPICE requirements); Moderate and ensure execution of preventive quality methods (e.g. FMEA) and reactive quality methods (e.g. fault tree analysis); Plan, implement, control, and improve the Electrified Powertrain R&D Organization's quality management system according to IATF 16949 and corporate guidelines; Plan, execute, and follow up on internal quality management system audits; Provide solutions for internal departments to eliminate weaknesses and non-conformities within the quality management system; Prepare, execute and follow up of external audits (by customers, certification companies); Plan, execute, and control of quality improvement projects (incl. lessons learned) and problem solving; Create training plans for other departments regarding quality management system and engineering quality activities; Drive cooperation, communication, and alignment of quality activities with internal departments, production plants, suppliers and customers; Provide input to management for continuous improvement programs and business unit directives; Comply with all ZF policies and procedures. A hybrid (in-office and telecommute) work schedule is available. 5% travel required to domestic and international locations.

Requirements:  Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or closely related field, plus 5 years of quality or development experience in the automotive industry, and demonstrated experience with: Project management for quality improvement projects, including lessons learned and problem solving; Measurement systems, including execution of Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA); Structured Problem-Solving with at least three of the following methods 5 Why, IS-IS NOT, DoE, Multi-Vari or Shainin RedX; Automotive quality assurance systems, with at least two of the following: AIAG, IATF16949 or A-SPICE; Automotive Tier I Supplier Quality Assurance, including procedure development, 8D Problem Resolution or Lessons Learned; Powertrain systems and electrification products; Performing risk analysis using FMEA methods; and IATF audit preparation including conducting mock audits.

Send Resume To: Recruitment@zf.com, reference Position ID No. ZF-398 in the email.

Be part of our ZF team as Principal Engineer-Development Quality and apply now!

Contact

Hannah Cline

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT: 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice. 

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility. 

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran

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