We are seeking an experienced Powertrain Design Engineer with a strong background in internal combustion engine design and development. This role is ideal for a hands-on mechanical engineer who understands how engine components and peripheral systems are designed, analyzed, manufactured, validated, and brought into production.
You will take ownership of engine-related component and system designs from concept through development, working closely with suppliers, manufacturing teams, purchasing, vehicle engineering, and other technical groups. The position combines detailed mechanical design, technical problem-solving, supplier coordination, design reviews, and continuous improvement.
Candidates with significant experience designing engine components, engine peripheral systems, and related powertrain hardware will be the strongest fit.
What You'll Be Doing
- Develop and release engine and powertrain designs, including 3D CAD models, 2D engineering drawings, technical reports, specifications, and assembly or instruction documentation.
- Apply engineering design standards, GD&T, tolerance analysis, material knowledge, and manufacturing principles to create robust, production-ready components.
- Participate in technical and design reviews, clearly communicating design status, risks, open issues, technical decisions, and key performance metrics.
- Develop engineering countermeasures to achieve targets for cost, mass, durability, fatigue strength, quality, manufacturability, and performance.
- Design and develop internal combustion engine components and peripheral systems such as lubrication systems, belt and accessory-drive systems, timing chain covers, fuel systems, cooling systems, intake systems, and exhaust-related components.
- Work closely with vehicle engineering, drivetrain and powertrain teams, manufacturing, purchasing, suppliers, and assembly plants to resolve technical issues throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Manage North American suppliers and component development activities to ensure parts meet engineering, quality, cost, and program timing requirements.
- Review supplier designs, quotations, test or evaluation results, and manufacturing proposals to identify technical risks and recommend improvements.
- Support prototype and production builds, investigate design or manufacturing concerns, identify root causes, and develop effective corrective actions.
- Benchmark competitive engine and powertrain designs to identify opportunities related to performance, cost, weight, quality, manufacturing efficiency, and customer expectations.
- Improve engineering processes, design standards, and development methods to increase design quality and improve on-time delivery.
- Partner with CAE, testing, manufacturing, and supplier teams to validate designs and resolve issues identified through analysis, testing, or production.
- Approximately 10% local or domestic travel may be required.
- Approximately 20% overtime may be required depending on program schedules and development milestones.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- 4+ years of automotive design and product development experience.
- Strong, hands-on experience with internal combustion engine design and development.
- Experience designing or developing engine components, engine systems, or engine peripheral hardware.
- Demonstrated experience developing production-intent mechanical components from concept through design, validation, supplier development, and production.
- Strong 3D CAD skills with experience creating detailed component and assembly designs.
- Strong knowledge of GD&T and the ability to apply dimensional requirements to production drawings.
- Understanding of common engine component manufacturing methods and design considerations.
- Knowledge of conventional internal combustion, hybrid, and electrified powertrain architectures.
- Strong mechanical problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and technical decision-making skills.
- Experience working cross-functionally with suppliers, manufacturing, purchasing, testing, and other engineering teams.
- Ability to independently manage engineering assignments, priorities, technical issues, and program deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for engineering analysis, documentation, and technical presentations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain and defend engineering decisions during design reviews.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
- Ability to work effectively with global and multicultural engineering teams.
- This position requires driving. A motor vehicle record that meets company standards is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Extensive experience in internal combustion engine component or system design.
- Detailed design experience with one or more of the following:
- Engine lubrication systems
- Front-end accessory drive or belt systems
- Timing chain and timing-chain-cover systems
- Engine fuel systems
- Engine cooling systems
- Intake and air-handling systems
- Exhaust-related engine components
- Engine covers, housings, brackets, or other peripheral components
- Experience designing components manufactured from aluminum or iron castings, thermoplastics, stampings, forgings, and machined materials.
- Experience with Creo or similar production-level CAD software.
- Experience with CAE tools or working directly with CAE teams using FEA, CFD, GT-Power, or similar engineering analysis software.
- Hands-on experience with engine or powertrain assembly, prototype builds, testing, or production support.
- Advanced knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing methods used for engine and transmission components.
- Experience applying DRBFM, DFMEA, or similar design-risk assessment methodologies.
- Knowledge of quality management, supplier development, and supply chain principles.
- Experience supporting production engineering, manufacturing launch, or assembly plant activities.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a mechanical engineer who has spent several years directly designing and developing engine hardware, rather than working only in general vehicle design, controls, calibration, or project coordination. You should be comfortable owning a component or system, developing the CAD and engineering requirements, working with suppliers and manufacturing teams, resolving problems through testing and analysis, and carrying the design through production.
We are particularly interested in engineers who can demonstrate strong technical ownership of ICE engine components and peripheral systems and can clearly explain the engineering decisions they made throughout the development process.
***1500606***
Company Overview
Adapt Technology is a US-based engineering and staffing firm dedicated to delivering innovative solutions across industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and heavy equipment. Our comprehensive services include engineering design, prototyping, scanning, and production manufacturing, supported by a talented team committed to precision and quality.
Pay: $48.00 - $58.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Will you now or in the furure require sponsorship?
Education:
Experience:
- automotive design/development: 4 years (Preferred)
- engine or powertrain design: 4 years (Preferred)
- designing ICE engine components: 3 years (Preferred)
- using GD&T in mechanical design: 3 years (Preferred)
- designing engine peripheral systems: 3 years (Preferred)
- using Creo for mechanical design: 3 years (Preferred)
- supporting powertrain production: 3 years (Preferred)
- managing automotive suppliers: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
