Powertrain Engineer

Ascentt; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascentt is seeking a Senior/Mid-Level Powertrain Engineer to join our Ann Arbor propulsion team. You will design, develop, calibrate, and validate advanced powertrain systems spanning HEV, BEV, and ICE architectures, with ownership through production launch.

This role blends hardware and controls, offering ownership of major subsystems. Both mid and senior levels are hired; responsibilities scale with experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering.
• 3–7 years experience for mid-level; 8+ years for senior in powertrain.
• Hands-on experience in hybrid, BEV, ICE, or thermal management.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and data analysis.
• Experience with test planning and data acquisition (dyno, HIL, vehicle-level).
• Knowledge of CAN communication and vehicle networks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate powertrain systems and subsystems across HEV, BEV, and ICE applications.
• Define system-level requirements, architectures, and interfaces; cascade to component specs.
• Support development of transmission, driveline, thermal management, torque, and energy strategies.
• Perform modeling, simulation, and analysis to predict performance and durability.
• Plan and execute dyno, HIL, bench, and in-vehicle testing; analyze data; drive issue resolution.

Skills

Powertrain engineering

MATLAB/Simulink

Data analysis

CAN communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

GT-SUITE

AVL Cruise

CANape

Job description

About this position

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
• Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and own major subsystems from concept through production launch (Senior level)

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