Powertrain Systems Engineer

Evolving Solution Services; Shelby (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6% Retirement Plan Contribution

Paid Holidays

PTO

Paid Sick Time

Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision,

Job summary

SAPA Transmission in Shelby Township, MI, is seeking a Powertrain Systems Engineer to support the modeling, simulation, and system-level integration of the ACT across various vehicle architectures.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical/ automotive/ aerospace engineering with 5+ years in powertrain or vehicle integration; MATLAB/Simulink, Creo, and NX experience are essential. On-site responsibilities and collaboration with OEMs and defense customers are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years in powertrain systems engineering or vehicle integration.
• Strong experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Creo, or NX.
• Deep knowledge of engines, drivetrains, and control systems.
• Experience with customer-facing technical presentations.

Responsibilities

• Develop concept-level powertrain architectures for multiple engine technologies.
• Design prototype powerpacks including heat exchanger sizing and drive components.
• Develop and maintain vehicle-level powertrain models to evaluate integration.
• Perform analyses across diverse vehicle platforms and conditions.
• Present technical analyses to OEMs and defense customers.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to tool development.

Skills

Powertrain systems engineering

Vehicle integration

Modeling & simulation

Customer-facing talks

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Auto/Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Creo

Siemens NX

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

FullTime Professional MI, Shelby Township, MI, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1286

SAPA Transmission, a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractor, is seeking a Powertrain Systems Engineer to support the modeling, simulation, and system-level integration of the Advanced Combat Transmission (ACT) across a wide range of vehicle architectures.

This role serves as a technical subject-matter expert for analytical activities, concept evaluations, and customer-focused solution studies involving multiple engine configurations, hybridization strategies, and mission profiles. The ideal candidate combines deep powertrain systems expertise with strong analytical, communication, and customer-engagement skills.

Join a team developing advanced drivetrain technology for military applications and play a direct role in improving the mobility, performance, and reliability of next-generation combat vehicles.

Why Join SAPA Transmission?

Support next-generation U.S. military vehicle programs

Work on advanced transmission and powertrain technologies

Collaborate directly with OEM and defense customers

Influence vehicle architectures, integration strategies, and analytical development

Competitive benefits, retirement contributions, and growth opportunities

Responsibilities

• Develop concept-level powertrain architectures utilizing various engine technologies, including diesel, gasoline, hybrid, turbine, and alternative fuels.
• Design prototype powerpacks including heat exchanger sizing and selection, fan and fan drive sizing and selection, final drive ratio and PTO power definition.
• Develop and maintain vehicle-level powertrain models (1D, multi-physics, and control-oriented) to evaluate ACT transmission integration.
• Perform performance, efficiency, thermal, durability, and drivability analyses across diverse vehicle platforms.
• Conduct trade studies comparing engine configurations, torque curves, gear ratios, cooling strategies, and system boundaries.
• Validate analytical predictions using test data, simulation tools, and cross-functional engineering inputs.
• Prepare and present technical analyses, performance projections, and integration assessments to OEM and defense customers.
• Serve as a key technical contact supporting customer powertrain integration inquiries.
• Support business development efforts through technical input for proposals, technical responses, and feasibility assessments.
• Provide technical guidance to vehicle OEMs on ACT packaging, mounting, lubrication, cooling loops, and control system interfaces.
• Mentor junior engineers through technical guidance in modeling, simulation, and powertrain analysis.
• Develop and maintain powertrain analysis tools, models, and best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance integration efficiency and analytical accuracy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in powertrain systems engineering, vehicle integration, or transmission/engine modeling.
• Strong expertise with modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Creo, Siemens NX, or equivalent.
• Deep understanding of internal combustion engines, vehicle dynamics, drivelines, and control systems.
• Demonstrated experience performing tradeoff analyses, concept studies, and customer-facing technical presentations.
• Ability to interpret complex data, lead technical discussions, and provide clear recommendations.
• Experience with military/defense vehicle systems or heavy-duty powertrains.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Knowledge of hybrid-electric powertrain integration and control strategy development.
• Familiarity with thermal modeling, NVH, and durability prediction techniques.

Benefits

• 6% Retirement Plan Contribution by SAPA Transmission (regardless of employee contribution to the 401(k) plan)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance with minimal employee contribution
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability

SAPA Transmission is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This position requires regular on-site attendance at our facility and is not a remote or hybrid role. Candidates must be able to work on-site during scheduled hours.