Senior Powertrain Engineer

Specsys • Montevideo, MN

229d • $82,000 - $94,000

About The Position

Join an Established and Growing Team! Showcase your skills with a company committed to providing services ON TIME, ON BUDGET, DONE RIGHT, and DONE SAFELY. At SpecSys, we offer exciting, challenging work tailored to your strengths, along with opportunities to make an impact. As the Senior Powertrain Engineer, you will manage design, develop, and integrate powertrain systems for complex equipment and vehicles, including both automotive and rail applications, supporting new product development, system-level testing, and ongoing product improvements. This role requires close collaboration with other engineers, internal design, manufacturing, and project management teams to ensure all aspects of the assigned project are completed On Time - On Budget - Done Right - Done Safely.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or related.
• 8+ years of experience in powertrain engineering, preferably in the industries of automotive (vocational, utility, heavy-duty), off-highway, and/or rail (locomotive power systems, propulsion/controls).
• Leadership skills and the ability to guide other engineers.
• Demonstrated experience with internal combustion engines, hybrid/electrical systems, axles, or advanced propulsion technologies.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, thermal systems, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with vehicle/system integration and validation testing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Safety/Quality, and Sales.
• Knowledge of safety standards and design practices for mobile and industrial equipment, such as FRA, EPA, and AAR.
• Experience with CAD tools for electrical design (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.).
• Ability to move around industrial equipment and shop environments.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate powertrain systems for rail vehicles and specialty automotive platforms, including low-speed, heavy-duty, and off-road configurations.
• Design and integrate internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, or alternative powertrain technologies to meet performance and safety requirements.
• Evaluate traction power requirements and driveline configurations for both on-road and rail-based equipment.
• Partner with leadership to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget.
• Coordinate project teams, provide work instructions, and maintain project timelines.
• Select and specify powertrain components, including engines, transmissions, driveline components, cooling systems, and controls.
• Perform system-level modeling and simulation to evaluate performance, thermal management, and driveline dynamics.
• Work with internal and external resources to validate powertrain systems via bench testing, dynamometer, and field testing.
• Troubleshoot system-level issues and propose robust engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with controls and electrical engineers to ensure proper communication and functionality between powertrain and onboard control systems, supporting vehicle communication protocols.
• Lead DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, and other risk-reduction activities.
• Maintain compliance with applicable industry regulations and emissions standards for vehicle and rail operations (DOT, EPA, CARB, FMCSA, AAR, etc.).
• Provide technical input during project reviews and design change processes.
• Assist in preparing operation manuals and customer documentation.
• Track and manage action items, Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), and project deliverables.
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k)
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Parental Leave
• Flexible Schedule
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Machinery Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree