Powertrain Project Engineer Jobs
What is a Powertrain Project Engineer?
A Powertrain Project Engineer plays a crucial role in the development and delivery of powertrain systems—covering everything from internal combustion engines to electric drive units and hybrid solutions. These engineers are responsible for coordinating technical projects, managing timelines, liaising with suppliers, and ensuring the successful integration of powertrain components into vehicles.
Skills Required for Powertrain Project Engineer Jobs
To succeed in this role, engineers need a strong technical foundation in powertrain systems and excellent project coordination skills. Core competencies include:
Knowledge of Powertrain Architecture – A deep understanding of propulsion systems, including ICE, hybrid, BEV, and PHEV configurations.
Project Management – Ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage milestones, budgets, and risk registers in fast-paced environments.
Engineering Communication – Strong stakeholder management and the ability to translate technical requirements into actionable plans.
Supplier Management – Experience collaborating with tier-one suppliers, overseeing part development and quality assurance processes.
CAD & Simulation Familiarity – Understanding of tools like CATIA, NX, or AVL for packaging, thermal modelling, or performance analysis.
Legislation & Certification Awareness – Knowledge of emissions standards, homologation processes, and vehicle compliance requirements.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Powertrain Project Engineer
Powertrain Project Engineers are central to the coordination and delivery of propulsion technologies. Day-to-day activities often include:
Project Planning & Delivery – Developing and maintaining project timelines for engine, hybrid, or EV systems, ensuring on-time delivery.
Technical Coordination – Leading design reviews and ensuring cross-functional alignment between powertrain, electrical, calibration, and chassis teams.
Change Management – Managing engineering change requests and tracking part status through the product lifecycle.
Supplier Interaction – Overseeing supplier timing plans, part validation, and issue resolution from prototype to production.
Testing Support – Coordinating dyno or vehicle-level powertrain tests, supporting data acquisition and fault diagnosis.
Regulatory Preparation – Supporting emissions testing, certification planning, and ensuring components meet global standards.
Reporting & Documentation – Producing technical status updates, programme metrics, and stakeholder reports for senior management.
Career Progression for Powertrain Project Engineers
A career in powertrain project engineering offers wide-ranging opportunities across emerging propulsion technologies. Most engineers begin as Powertrain or Development Engineers, gaining exposure to components, testing, and integration.
With experience, progression may lead to roles such as:
Senior Powertrain Project Engineer – Managing large sub-systems or vehicle programmes across global teams and suppliers.
System Integration Lead – Overseeing how all powertrain components—from engines to batteries—interact within the full vehicle environment.
Chief Engineer / Technical Programme Manager – Driving the strategy, planning, and technical roadmap for next-generation powertrain technologies.
Electrified Propulsion Specialist – Transitioning into EV or hybrid-focused roles, leading development of e-motors, inverters, and battery systems.
Functional Safety or Compliance Engineer – Specialising in ISO 26262 and regulatory frameworks to support future propulsion safety requirements.
Powertrain Project Engineer jobs sit at the intersection of innovation and delivery—critical to the success of traditional and electrified vehicle programmes. With the automotive industry's continued shift towards sustainable mobility, skilled engineers in this field are in high demand, offering exciting career prospects and the opportunity to shape the future of transportation.