Powertrain Engineer

The Davis Companies; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Davis Companies is seeking a Powertrain Engineer to lead design, development, validation, and release of vehicle powertrain systems across electric motors, engines, CVTs, and transaxles. You will work with cross-functional teams to define specs, plans, and qualification requirements, while mentoring junior engineers.

Ideal candidates hold a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years in powertrain or vehicle development, and strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of engineering experience in powertrain, vehicle systems, or product development.
• Experience with mechanical system design, validation, and release processes.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, validation, and release of vehicle powertrain systems and components.
• Serve as a technical expert in one or more powertrain subsystems, including electric motors, engines, CVTs, and transaxles.
• Develop and maintain vehicle and component specifications, test plans, and qualification requirements.
• Drive engineering best practices related to requirements management, DFMEA, DVP&R, risk analysis, and engineering change processes.
• Collaborate with suppliers to support component development, validation, and production readiness.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D and 9-Step.
• Support vehicle testing and ensure designs meet performance, durability, reliability, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify program risks and develop mitigation plans to support successful project execution.
• Create and support technology roadmaps that align with future product and market strategies.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and launch objectives.
• Serve as an engineering resource for customer and field-related technical issues.
• Mentor junior engineers, designers, and technicians while promoting engineering excellence across the organization.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Job description

Our client is seeking a Powertrain Engineer to support the development of next-generation electric and internal combustion vehicle platforms. This role offers the opportunity to work across a variety of powertrain systems, including electric motors, engines, CVTs, and transaxles, while contributing to product innovation, system integration, validation, and release activities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, vehicle systems, or powertrain development and enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, reliable products.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, validation, and release of vehicle powertrain systems and components.
• Serve as a technical expert in one or more powertrain subsystems, including electric motors, internal combustion engines, CVTs, and transaxles.
• Develop and maintain vehicle and component specifications, test plans, and qualification requirements.
• Drive engineering best practices related to requirements management, DFMEA, DVP&R, risk analysis, and engineering change processes.
• Collaborate with suppliers to support component development, validation, and production readiness.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D and 9-Step.
• Support vehicle testing and ensure designs meet performance, durability, reliability, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify program risks and develop mitigation plans to support successful project execution.
• Create and support technology roadmaps that align with future product and market strategies.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and launch objectives.
• Serve as an engineering resource for customer and field-related technical issues.
• Mentor junior engineers, designers, and technicians while promoting engineering excellence across the organization.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of engineering experience in powertrain, vehicle systems, or product development.
• Experience with mechanical system design, validation, and release processes.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with one or more of the following:
• Electric motors and propulsion systems
• Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs)
• Transaxles
• Vehicle powertrain integration
• Knowledge of DFMEA, DVP&R, reliability testing, and risk analysis methodologies.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and manufacturing teams.
• Familiarity with vehicle regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Strong technical leadership and decision-making skills.
• Ability to identify risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to collaborate across engineering and business functions.
• Passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.
• Expertise in structured problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Understanding of the business and financial impact of engineering decisions.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Work on both electric and internal combustion vehicle platforms.
• Join a well-established industry leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing.
• Contribute to innovative powertrain technologies and next-generation product development.
• Collaborate with highly skilled engineering, manufacturing, and product development teams.
• Make a direct impact on new products that serve commercial, industrial, and recreational markets.