Sr. Engineer II - Powertrain Systems

KARMA AUTOMOTIVE, LLC; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan

Health Savings Account

Flexible/Hybrid schedule

401(k) with Employer Match

Relocation Assistance

Paid Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Karma Automotive, LLC in Irvine, CA, is seeking a Sr. Engineer II – Powertrain Systems with deep experience in development, simulation, testing, and validation of hybrid and electric powertrains.

You will lead system-level modeling, run component- and vehicle-level tests, document requirements, and collaborate across engineering teams to translate data into actionable targets and design decisions. This exempt, full-time role offers a competitive compensation package and a hybrid work schedule

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years in powertrain development, testing, and validation.
• Experience with EV powertrain components and control strategies.
• Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink and data analysis.
• Familiarity with ISO quality and environmental management concepts.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute multi-level testing of powertrain components and vehicles.
• Develop and apply system-level simulation models and correlate with test data.
• Benchmark industry solutions and translate findings into targets.
• Define test objectives, instrumentation, and requirements traceability.
• Document software and system requirements for new powertrain features.

Skills

Powertrain systems development

Simulation

Testing and validation

Systems engineering

Requirements documentation

Model-based analysis

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Concerto

PUMA

LabVIEW

Vector CANoe

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

• Job Category Engineering, Powertrain Systems
• Employee Type Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Manage Others No

Sr. Engineer II - Powertrain Systems

The Sr. Engineer II – Powertrain Systems position requires a highly motivated individual with experience in powertrain systems development, simulation, testing, and validation. The ideal candidate will possess a mechanical or electrical engineering degree and have a minimum of 5 years work experience in a development and testing environment, with practical experience related to hybrid and electric powertrain systems, simulation software tools, and electric motors/generators. The role will benchmark industry, competitor, and supplier solutions in the field to identify technology trends, emerging architectures, performance gaps, and best practices; establish relevant technical targets; and support architecture, component, controls, and make-versus-buy trade-off decisions.

The candidate should also be proficient in systems engineering, requirements documentation, model-based analysis, development and application of simulation models, correlation of simulation results with physical test data, and the planning and execution of component-, subsystem-, powertrain-, and vehicle-level tests. This position will use simulation and test results together to assess performance, efficiency, thermal behavior, durability, controls, and operating limits, and to provide clear recommendations to cross-functional engineering teams. Candidates must be versatile and creative in conceiving solutions to problems, pragmatic in their implementation, and disciplined in recording related documentation.

Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):

• Plan, set up, and execute component-, subsystem-, powertrain-, and vehicle-level testing with engineering and technical staff, including:
  • Component or vehicle installation on the test stand.
  • Installation, calibration, and documentation of data acquisition elements.
  • Creating test scripts and automated test procedures.
  • Testing execution, testing troubleshooting, and documentation of test runs.
  • Providing feedback information to engineering during testing concerning test status, including any suggestions for process improvements.
  • Performing results analysis using appropriate tools (Excel, MATLAB, Concerto, etc.)
  • Performing vehicle testing and engine calibration to support vehicle certification.
• Develop, maintain, and apply system-level and component-level simulation models to evaluate performance, efficiency, energy consumption, thermal behavior, controls, and operating limits across drive cycles and vehicle platforms; perform sensitivity analyses and trade studies, correlate models with test data, and use results to guide requirements, architecture, calibration, and design decisions.
• Benchmark competitor, supplier, and emerging industry powertrain solutions through technical research, data review, simulation, teardown or test results as available, and comparative assessments; translate findings into measurable targets, technical recommendations, and technology roadmaps.
• Define test objectives, procedures, instrumentation, acceptance criteria, and requirements traceability; analyze test data, investigate anomalies, correlate physical results with simulation predictions, document conclusions, and communicate recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Document the requirements for the new powertrain software and systems.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, plus a minimum of 5 years professional experience.
• Experience with:
  • EV testing, electric motors, generators, battery packs.
  • Gearboxes, transmissions.
  • Power electronics including inverters, high voltage subsystems.
  • MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience benchmarking automotive or powertrain technologies using published data, supplier information, competitor assessments, simulation results, and physical test data to define targets and recommend technical direction.
• Experience developing and applying analytical or model-based simulations, conducting sensitivity and trade studies, and correlating model predictions with laboratory, dynamometer, or vehicle test results.
• Experience defining test objectives, procedures, instrumentation, pass/fail criteria, and requirements traceability, with demonstrated capability in data analysis, root-cause investigation, model-to-test correlation, and technical reporting.
• Familiarity preferred with automotive and powertrain test equipment, including:
  • Engine and chassis dynamometers.
  • Electric motor and drive module dynamometers.
  • Associated testbed software including Concerto, PUMA, and LabVIEW.
  • Automotive calibration and data acquisition tools, including Vector CANoe.
• Basic knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015), as applicable.

Physical Requirements:

Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
• Ability to frequently walk or move – to regularly move about inside the office.
• Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
• Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
• Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
• Ability to stand for occasional periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job.

Benefits

In addition to our competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:

• Medical Plan
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Health & Well-Being Program Events
• Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Time, Vacation time and Personal Floaters
• Paid Holidays including Company’s Annual Year End Shutdown
• Karma Cares Program (Quarterly Lunch)
• Work life Balance (Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule)
• Employee Driving Program

Compensation:

$135,000 - $155,000 /annual salary. Compensation will vary DOE.

At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.

Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.

Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver’s license may be required based on essential duties.