Powertrain Engineer

Ascentt; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascentt is building cutting-edge data analytics & AI/ML solutions for the automotive industry, seeking a Powertrain Engineer to join the propulsion systems team in Ann Arbor. You will design, calibrate, and validate advanced propulsion architectures spanning HEV, BEV, and ICE, blending hardware and controls with production ownership.

This role offers mid or senior level scope, with on-site/hybrid work in Ann Arbor and collaboration across controls, electrical, and vehicle integration teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 3–7 years powertrain/propulsion experience for mid-level; 8+ years for senior.
• Hands-on experience with hybrid, BEV, or ICE propulsion systems.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and data analysis.
• Experience with test planning, dyno, HIL, or vehicle-level testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate powertrain systems and subsystems across HEV/PHEV, BEV, and ICE applications.
• Define system-level requirements and interfaces, cascading to component specs.
• Support development of transmission, driveline, thermal management, torque, and energy strategies.
• Plan and execute dyno, HIL, bench, and in-vehicle testing; analyze data and resolve root causes.
• Collaborate with controls, electrical, battery, vehicle integration, safety, and manufacturing teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship for senior engineers (if applicable).

Skills

Powertrain engineering

Propulsion systems

Systems thinking

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

GT-SUITE

AVL Cruise

dSPACE

ETAS INCA

Vector CANape

Job description

Ascentt is building cutting-edge data analytics & AI/ML solutions for global automotive and manufacturing leaders. We turn enterprise data into real-time decisions using advanced machine learning and GenAI. Our team solves hard engineering problems at scale, with real-world industry impact. We’re hiring passionate builders to shape the future of industrial intelligence.

Senior / Mid-Level Powertrain Engineer

Location: Ann Arbor, MI — on-site/hybrid (local candidates or those willing to relocate)

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Powertrain / Propulsion Systems Engineering

Reports To: [Manager, Powertrain Systems]

About The Role

Ascentt is seeking a Powertrain Engineer to join our propulsion systems team in Ann Arbor. You will contribute to the design, development, calibration, and validation of advanced propulsion systems spanning hybrid, battery-electric, and internal-combustion architectures. This role suits an engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of hardware and controls, and who wants ownership of systems that go into production vehicles.

We are hiring at both the mid and senior level; scope and responsibility will be matched to your experience.

What You'll Do

• Develop and validate powertrain systems and subsystems across hybrid (HEV/PHEV), battery-electric (BEV), and ICE applications
• Define system-level requirements, architectures, and interfaces, and cascade them to component-level specifications
• Support development of transmission, driveline, thermal management, torque management, and energy management strategies
• Perform modeling, simulation, and analysis to predict system performance, efficiency, and durability (MATLAB/Simulink, GT-SUITE, AVL Cruise, or equivalent)
• Plan and execute dyno, HIL, bench, and in-vehicle testing; analyze data and drive issue resolution to root cause
• Support calibration and controls development, including torque arbitration, energy management, and thermal strategies
• Collaborate cross-functionally with controls, electrical, battery, vehicle integration, safety, and manufacturing teams
• Contribute to DFMEA, DVP&R, design reviews, and technical documentation
• Interface with suppliers on component selection, specification, and technical issue resolution
• (Senior level) Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and own major subsystems from concept through production launch

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Mid-Level: 3–7 years of relevant powertrain or propulsion systems experience
• Senior: 8+ years of relevant experience, including ownership of systems through a production program
• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following: hybrid systems, battery-electric propulsion, internal combustion engines, transmissions/driveline, thermal management, torque management, or energy management
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and data analysis tools
• Experience with test planning, instrumentation, and data acquisition (dyno, HIL, or vehicle-level)
• Working knowledge of CAN communication and vehicle networks
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work from ambiguous requirements to a validated design

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience with hybrid architectures (P0–P4, series, power-split) and associated control strategies
• Familiarity with battery systems, power electronics, or e-motor integration
• Experience with GT-SUITE, AVL, dSPACE, ETAS INCA, Vector CANape, or similar toolchains
• Knowledge of ASPICE, ISO 26262, or functional safety processes
• Experience with 1D/3D thermal modeling and vehicle-level energy efficiency optimization
• Prior experience taking a propulsion program from concept through SOP