1

Powertrain Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role Summary The Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer is part of the NVH Attributes team and plays a critical role in driving the noise, & vibration refinement of Rivian electric powertrains. This position ...

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role Summary The Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer is part of the NVH Attributes team and plays a critical role in driving the noise, & vibration refinement of Rivian electric powertrains. This position ...

Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role Summary The Staff Powertrain NVH Engineer is part of the NVH Attributes team and plays a critical role in driving the noise, & vibration refinement of Rivian electric powertrains. This position ...

Be Seen First

Project Engineer, Calibrator - Powertrain & Thermal

Northville, MI · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform Software Calibration of Powertrain and Thermal Systems, including Transmission Systems, Electrical Motor Inverters, Batteries, Energy Management, Thermal Management Systems, and Cabin ...

Marine Powertrain Design Engineer

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MARINE POWERTRAIN DESIGN ENGINEER At Ilmor Engineering, innovation runs as deep as our passion for performance. Proudly named a Crain's Top 100 Places to Work, we pair world‑class engineering with ...

Marine Powertrain Design Engineer

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MARINE POWERTRAIN DESIGN ENGINEER At Ilmor Engineering, innovation runs as deep as our passion for performance. Proudly named a Crain's Top 100 Places to Work, we pair world-class engineering with a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Powertrain information

See Michigan salary details

$19

$32

$57

How much do powertrain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for powertrain in Michigan is $32.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.26 and $36.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a powertrain?

A powertrain refers to the main components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface in a vehicle. It typically includes the engine, transmission, driveshafts, differentials, and the final drive. The powertrain is responsible for converting the engine's energy into motion, making it one of the most crucial systems in automobiles, trucks, and other machinery. Understanding how the powertrain works is essential for diagnosing performance issues and ensuring the vehicle operates efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a powertrain engineer?

To excel as a Powertrain Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, with expertise in internal combustion engines, electric drivetrains, and vehicle dynamics. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, and knowledge of industry regulations or certifications such as ISO/TS 16949 are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help drive innovation and facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for designing efficient, reliable powertrain systems that meet performance, safety, and environmental standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by powertrain engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Powertrain engineers often work closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and project timelines. Ensuring effective communication across these teams is essential to avoid misunderstandings about system integration, emissions standards, and performance targets. Additionally, balancing cost, efficiency, and regulatory compliance while incorporating feedback from various stakeholders can be complex. Successful powertrain engineers proactively engage in regular meetings and use collaborative tools to keep all teams informed and aligned.

What is the difference between Powertrain vs Transmission Technician?

AspectPowertrainTransmission Technician
Primary FocusEngine, transmission, drivetrain componentsTransmission systems and repairs
Required CertificationsASE certifications in engine, drivetrain, or transmissionASE Transmission Specialist certification
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, repair shops, dealershipsDealerships, repair shops, service centers
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturing, repair, and designVehicle repair and maintenance

Powertrain technicians focus on the entire drivetrain system, including engines and transmissions, while Transmission Technicians specialize specifically in transmission systems. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in repair shops or dealerships. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service focus within the automotive industry.

What does a powertrain engineer do?

A powertrain engineer designs, develops, and tests components of vehicle propulsion systems, including engines, transmissions, and drivetrains. They analyze performance, improve efficiency, and ensure integration with vehicle systems, often using CAD software and testing facilities. Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems is essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Powertrain jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Powertrain jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Powertrain jobs in Michigan?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Powertrain jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Powertrain jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Powertrain job openings:

Infographic showing various Powertrain job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,409 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Powertrain System Engineer

Rivian Automotive LLC

Livonia, MI • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Responsible for the modeling the powertrain architecture, coding the powertrain controllers and all software related to the powertrain system, and releasing all powertrain related components. 3+ w/Hybrid or EV


What Rivian employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Rivian logo

About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009