Engineering Technician, Powertrain Test

Harbinger Motors Inc.; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Harbinger Motors Inc. is seeking a Powertrain Technician to lead hands-on testing and validation of electric powertrains for medium-duty EVs. You will set up, instrument, operate, and teardown test articles including motors, inverters, and drive units.

Responsibilities include assembling/disassembling powertrain systems, sensor instrumentation, and fabricating test fixtures. A strong HV safety mindset and meticulous documentation are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience in automotive, aerospace, or heavy-duty powertrain testing and assembly.
• Proficient with shop tools, torque wrenches, multi-meters, oscilloscopes, and basic fabrication equipment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and high-voltage electrical safety (up to 800V+).
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute mechanical and electrical setup of powertrain components on dynamometers and test rigs for performance and durability testing.
• Assemble and disassemble powertrain systems, subsystems, and components for testing.
• Instrument test hardware with sensors (thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, flow meters).
• Fabricate custom test fixtures, cooling loops, and wiring harnesses for high and low voltage testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues to maintain testing uptime.
• Maintain a clean, strictly compliant high-voltage lab environment.

Skills

Powertrain testing

Tool proficiency

HV safety 800V+

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical certificate / Associate degree (preferred)

Tools

Jira

Job description

Harbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger’s best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to bring a first-of-its-kind EV platform to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs and Hybrids. Harbinger: Familiar Form, Revolutionary Foundation.

Role Overview

As a Powertrain Technician at Harbinger, you will play a critical role in the physical testing and validation of our cutting-edge electric powertrains. Joining the Powertrain Test team, you will be primarily responsible for the setup, instrumentation, operation, and teardown of test articles, including electric motors, inverters, and electric drive units. Your hands-on expertise will directly impact the reliability and performance of our medium-duty commercial EVs, helping to bridge the gap between engineering design and real-world execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute mechanical and electrical setup of powertrain components on dynamometers and test rigs for performance and durability testing.
• Assemble and disassemble a variety of Powertrain systems, subsystems, and components for testing including electric motors and drive units.
• Instrument test hardware with various sensors, including thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, and flow meters.
• Fabricate custom test fixtures, cooling loops, and specialized high-voltage and low-voltage wiring harnesses.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical and electrical issues in real-time to maintain testing uptime.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and strictly compliant high-voltage safe working environment in the testing lab.
• Collaborate closely with test and design engineers to document test anomalies, teardown findings, and hardware iterations.

Required Skills & Experience

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in automotive, aerospace, or heavy-duty powertrain testing and assembly.
• Proficiency in using standard shop tools, torque wrenches, multi-meters, oscilloscopes, and basic fabrication equipment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and high-voltage electrical safety protocols (up to 800V+).
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills, with a high attention to detail in technical documentation.
• High School Diploma or equivalent practical experience; technical school certificate or Associate's degree in a related technical field is highly valued.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with dynamometer test cells and data acquisition systems, including test rig operation and troubleshooting.
• Proven ability of building custom wiring harnesses, instrumenting stators with thermocouples, and fabricating custom mounting hardware.
• Familiarity with Jira software for project management and issue tracking.
• Advanced degree or certification, such as ASE certifications, High-Voltage Safety Training, or Machining/Welding certifications.

Pay Rate: $35-45/hr

Harbinger is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Harbinger is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [e-mail].