Manager Drivetrain Test Engineer

ALSO • Palo Alto, CA

17d • $190,000 - $250,000

About The Position

ALSO is looking for a Manager of Drivetrain Test Engineering to lead the development of next-generation electromechanical actuation systems used throughout our light electric vehicle platforms. This leader will build and develop a high-performing team responsible for validating actuators, motors, geartrains, structural components, sensing, and electronics integration from concept through production.

Requirements

• Proven experience building, leading, and developing high-performing engineering test programs
• Demonstrated success delivering complex electromechanical products from concept through production using structured validation methodologies.
• Deep understanding of EV powertrain systems, including electric motors, gearboxes, inverters, batteries, electromechanical actuators, and their associated validation requirements.
• Extensive experience with drivetrain testing, including performance, durability, thermal, environmental, efficiency, NVH, and End-of-Line (EOL) validation.
• Experience developing and managing advanced test infrastructure, including dynamometers, HIL systems, environmental chambers, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and laboratory equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or equivalent tools, and experience leading failure analysis and root cause investigations.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, product development processes, and quality systems, including DVP&R, DFMEA, PFMEA, APQP, and requirements traceability.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to influence technical direction and develop high-performing engineering organizations

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of test engineers and technicians responsible for drivetrain validation and laboratory operations.
• Recruit, coach, and develop engineering talent while fostering a culture of technical excellence, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Own the drivetrain test engineering organization by setting priorities, allocating resources, and developing organizational capability across multiple vehicle programs.
• Define and execute the overall validation strategy, including DVP&R, test specifications, validation schedules, and End-of-Line (EOL) production test profiles from concept through production.
• Develop and maintain world-class test infrastructure, laboratory capabilities, equipment readiness, calibration, safety, and operational excellence.
• Establish engineering standards, test methodologies, automation frameworks, and best practices that improve validation quality, repeatability, and efficiency.
• Lead cross-functional validation activities with Mechanical Design, Electrical, Controls, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure products meet performance, durability, NVH, efficiency, safety, and reliability targets.
• Review validation results, drive root cause investigations, and lead corrective actions for design, manufacturing, supplier, and field quality issues.

Benefits

• Excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by Also. with FSA & HSA options.
• One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates.
• Rich fertility and family building benefits with Progyny.
• Flexible time off.
• 401(k) match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed