Powertrain Engineer

Ascentt•Plano, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ascentt is seeking a Powertrain Engineer to join our propulsion systems team in Ann Arbor. You will contribute to the design, development, calibration, and validation of advanced propulsion systems spanning hybrid, battery-electric, and internal-combustion architectures. This role suits an engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of hardware and controls, and who wants ownership of systems that go into production vehicles. We are hiring at both the mid and senior level; scope and responsibility will be matched to your experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
Mid-Level: 3–7 years of relevant powertrain or propulsion systems experience
Senior: 8+ years of relevant experience, including ownership of systems through a production program
Hands-on experience in one or more of the following: hybrid systems, battery-electric propulsion, internal combustion engines, transmissions/driveline, thermal management, torque management, or energy management
Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and data analysis tools
Experience with test planning, instrumentation, and data acquisition (dyno, HIL, or vehicle-level)
Working knowledge of CAN communication and vehicle networks
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work from ambiguous requirements to a validated design

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline
Experience with hybrid architectures (P0–P4, series, power-split) and associated control strategies
Familiarity with battery systems, power electronics, or e-motor integration
Experience with GT-SUITE, AVL, dSPACE, ETAS INCA, Vector CANape, or similar toolchains
Knowledge of ASPICE, ISO 26262, or functional safety processes
Experience with 1D/3D thermal modeling and vehicle-level energy efficiency optimization
Prior experience taking a propulsion program from concept through SOP

Responsibilities

Develop and validate powertrain systems and subsystems across hybrid (HEV/PHEV), battery-electric (BEV), and ICE applications
Define system-level requirements, architectures, and interfaces, and cascade them to component-level specifications
Support development of transmission, driveline, thermal management, torque management, and energy management strategies
Perform modeling, simulation, and analysis to predict system performance, efficiency, and durability (MATLAB/Simulink, GT-SUITE, AVL Cruise, or equivalent)
Plan and execute dyno, HIL, bench, and in-vehicle testing; analyze data and drive issue resolution to root cause
Support calibration and controls development, including torque arbitration, energy management, and thermal strategies
Collaborate cross-functionally with controls, electrical, battery, vehicle integration, safety, and manufacturing teams
Contribute to DFMEA, DVP&R, design reviews, and technical documentation
Interface with suppliers on component selection, specification, and technical issue resolution
(Senior level) Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and own major subsystems from concept through production launch