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Traction Power Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... of traction battery pack systems for hybrid and electric vehicles.This is an entry level ... An understanding of vehicle powertrain, power supply, and vehicle electrical system operation with ...

... of traction battery pack systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. This is an entry level ... An understanding of vehicle powertrain, power supply, and vehicle electrical system operation with ...

Engineering Group Manager

Warren, MI ยท Hybrid

$109K - $109K/yr

... power electronics, and vehicle charging) that provide industry leading performance and customer ... Prior experience with traction inverters, PCB and/or high voltage semiconductors * Prior experience ...

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Traction Power Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$91.5K

$109.1K

$125.9K

How much do traction power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for traction power engineer in Michigan is $109,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $117,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a traction power engineer do?

A traction power engineer typically works in the transit and rail industry and is responsible for developing design/concepts to clients and project team members. Other responsibilities in this career may include performing engineering studies and analyses that assist the project manager in establishing a budget, cost estimates, and overall project schedules. As part of your duties, you may need to design and prepare diagrams, communications, substation layouts, and grounding grids, selection of substation equipment specifications, proposals, metering, construction costs, reports, analysis, and technical studies for the traction power distribution systems.

What does a traction power engineer do?

A Traction Power Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the electrical systems that supply power to railway vehicles, such as trains, trams, and subways. They ensure that the power systems are safe, reliable, and efficient, working on components like substations, overhead wires, and third-rail systems. Their role often involves collaborating with civil and signaling engineers, conducting site assessments, and troubleshooting issues to keep transportation networks running smoothly.

What are the most common challenges faced by traction power engineers in large-scale rail transit projects?

Traction Power Engineers working on large-scale rail transit projects frequently encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple engineering disciplines, ensuring system reliability under high passenger loads, and adhering to stringent safety standards. Managing project timelines while integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure can also be demanding. Effective communication and close collaboration with civil, signaling, and operations teams are essential to overcome these hurdles and deliver safe, efficient power systems for rail networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a traction power engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traction Power Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, experience with high-voltage systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD or ETAP), knowledge of railway power systems, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) status are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of traction power infrastructure in transportation systems.

What is the difference between Traction Power Engineer vs Electrical Power Engineer?

AspectTraction Power EngineerElectrical Power Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, possibly PE license, specialized in transit systemsEngineering degree, PE license, broader electrical systems expertise
Work EnvironmentPublic transit, rail, metro systemsPower plants, industrial facilities, utility companies
Industry UsageTransportation infrastructure projectsEnergy generation and distribution
Common Search IntentDesigning and maintaining transit power systemsElectrical system design and power distribution

While both roles involve electrical systems, a Traction Power Engineer specializes in power systems for transit and rail networks, focusing on electrification and safety. An Electrical Power Engineer has a broader scope, working on power generation, distribution, and industrial applications. The key difference lies in industry focus and specific system expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Traction Power Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Traction Power Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Traction Power Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Traction Power Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Traction Power Engineer jobs in MI?

For Traction Power Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Traction Power Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,103 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Engineering Manager - Electrification

ND DEFENSE LLC

Madison Heights, MI โ€ข On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Engineering Manager — Electrification helps to establish and lead ND Defense’s high voltage electrification engineering team, driving the design, development, integration, and validation of electric powertrain systems, battery storage systems, and high voltage architectures for defense ground vehicles and Electric Ground Mobility (EGM) platforms. This role owns the technical direction for electrification programs from concept through production, ensuring designs meet stringent defense performance, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in high voltage systems engineering with proven leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires the ability to lead technical executions, mentor and grow engineers, and a forward-looking propensity to leverage AI and agentic technologies to optimize engineering workflows and program execution.

Essential FunctionsTechnical Leadership
  • Lead the design and development of high voltage electrical systems (400V–800V+ DC) for defense ground vehicle platforms, including battery systems, power distribution, motor drives, inverters, DC-DC converters, exportable power, and charging infrastructure.
  • Define high voltage architecture, system schematics, wire harness routing, and component specifications in compliance with MIL-STD requirements and applicable SAE standards.
  • Own the technical review process for electrification programs, including design reviews (PDR, CDR), DFMEA, and design validation test planning.
  • Establish and enforce high voltage safety protocols aligned with SAE J1766, ISO 6469, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC), and applicable NAVSEA or Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) requirements.
  • Drive resolution of complex electrical integration challenges across mechanical, thermal, software, and vehicle systems engineering disciplines.
People Leadership
  • Manage, mentor, and develop a team of electrical, systems, and integration engineers focused on electrification programs.
  • Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and build individual development plans aligned with organizational growth.
  • Lead hiring efforts to build high voltage engineering capability, including identifying talent gaps and developing staffing plans.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-accountability engineering culture grounded in technical rigor and continuous improvement.
Program Execution
  • Partner with program management to define scope, schedule, cost, and technical milestones for electrification programs.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams (mechanical, thermal, software, manufacturing, quality) to deliver integrated electrification solutions on time and within budget.
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customer engagements on electrification programs, including design presentations, technical interchange meetings, and proposal support.
  • Support business development and capture efforts by contributing to technical proposals, white papers, and technology roadmaps for high voltage electrification capabilities.
Standards, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement
  • Ensure all electrification designs comply with applicable military standards, customer specifications, and ND Defense’s AS9100-based QMS.
  • Stay current on emerging electrification technologies, battery chemistries, power electronics, and defense-sector EGM trends (e.g., Army Modernization Priorities, GVSC electrification roadmap).
  • Drive lessons-learned processes and design standardization across electrification programs to improve reuse, reduce cost, and accelerate delivery.

AI & Process Optimization

  • Identify and implement opportunities to apply AI and agentic technologies to streamline engineering processes, automate routine program management tasks, and improve decision-making efficiency.
  • Stay current on emerging AI tools and methodologies relevant to defense engineering and program execution, and champion their adoption where appropriate.


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in high voltage electrical systems design and development, with at least 3 years in a technical leadership or engineering management role.
  • Direct, hands-on experience with high voltage powertrain architectures (400V–800V+ DC), including battery management systems (BMS), traction inverters, electric motors/generators, DC-DC converters, and high voltage distribution.
  • Working knowledge of relevant standards: MIL-STD-1275 (vehicle power characteristics), MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC), MIL-STD-810 (environmental), SAE J1772/J3068 (charging), ISO 6469 (EV safety).
  • Experience managing engineering teams of 5+ through full product development lifecycles (concept through production).
  • Proficiency with electrical design tools such as CATIA Electrical, Capital Harness, Zuken, Altium, or equivalent.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, DFMEA, DVP&R, and structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, root cause analysis).
  • U.S. Citizenship required. Must be eligible for and able to obtain/maintain a DoD security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or Systems Engineering.
  • Experience in defense ground vehicle programs (e.g., JLTV, AMPV, RCV, OMFV, or similar Army/Marine Corps vehicle platforms).
  • Familiarity with Army GVSC electrification initiatives, Tactical Wheeled Vehicle (TWV) modernization, or TARDEC legacy programs.
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), SysML, or DOORS for requirements management.
  • Active DoD Secret clearance.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Systems Engineering Professional).
  • Experience with ITAR-controlled programs and technical data handling.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
  • Office and engineering lab environment with occasional time on the manufacturing floor and at customer/test sites.
  • Ability to work near high voltage equipment and in test environments with appropriate PPE and safety protocols.
  • Travel up to 20%, including customer sites, test facilities, supplier locations, and ND Defense’s West Point, MS manufacturing facility.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.


ND Defense LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. ND Defense reserves the right to modify this description at any time. All duties are subject to reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.