Powertrain Test Technician Hardware

Front Door Defense; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 55,104; Full time

Job summary

Harbinger is seeking a Powertrain Test Technician in Garden Grove, CA to oversee hands-on testing and validation of powertrains on dynamometer rigs. The role focuses on setup, instrumentation, operation, and teardown of test articles like electric motors and drive units to ensure reliability and performance for medium-duty EVs.

You will work closely with test and design engineers, document anomalies, and help iterate hardware while maintaining a safe high-voltage lab environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on powertrain testing/assembly experience.
• Proficiency with shop tools, torque wrenches, multimeters, and scopes.
• Understanding of high-voltage safety protocols (800V+).
• Strong troubleshooting and technical documentation skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical/associate degree valued.

Responsibilities

• Set up powertrain components on dynamometers for performance and durability tests.
• Assemble and disassemble powertrain systems and subsystems for testing.
• Instrument test hardware with sensors (thermocouples, transducers, accelerometers).
• Fabricate test fixtures and wiring harnesses for HV and LV testing.
• Troubleshoot issues to maintain testing uptime.
• Maintain HV safety and lab cleanliness.
• Collaborate with engineers to document findings and iterations.

Skills

Powertrain testing

Electrical safety

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Mechanical tools

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical certificate/Associate's degree

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Multi-meters

Torque wrenches

Fabrication equipment

Test rigs

Job description

Powertrain Test Technician

Oversee hands‑on testing and validation of powertrains on dynamometer rigs.

Location: Garden Grove, California, United States

Compensation: $30 - 40 USD / hour

Job Tags: Hardware

About The Role

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: $30 - 40/hr

Equal Opportunity 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].