Job Title: Senior Powertrain Engineer
Location: San Antonio, TX
Industry: equipment manufacturing
Status of Hire: direct placement; permanent
Pay: $155k – $170k; exempt

Summary
We are seeking a Senior Powertrain Engineer to serve as the technical authority for powertrain systems across an expanding Aerial Work Platform (AWP) portfolio. This role leads the design, integration, and optimization of both internal combustion and electrified propulsion systems, ensuring best-in-class performance, reliability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Based in San Antonio, this position plays a key role in building and scaling North American engineering capabilities as part of a newly established engineering center, working closely with global teams across product development, quality, and operations.

Key Responsibilities
Powertrain Leadership & Architecture

• Lead end-to-end design and integration of powertrain systems across boom and scissor lift platforms

• Develop and validate powertrain architectures, including:

  • Internal combustion engines

  • Electric drivetrains and hybrid systems

  • Battery systems and energy management

• Drive optimization of system performance, efficiency, and thermal management

• Ensure seamless integration with hydraulics, controls, vehicle systems, and overall machine architecture

Technical Execution & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with global standards and regulations (ANSI, CSA, CE, ISO, EPA, EU Stage, etc.)

• Perform system-level:

  • DFMEA

  • Thermal analysis

  • Duty-cycle modeling

  • Performance simulation

• Produce and review engineering documentation (design reviews, validation plans, technical reports)

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for powertrain-related issues

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with New Product Introduction (NPI/NPIP) teams to meet program targets for performance and efficiency

• Support Current Product Engineering to resolve field issues across powertrain systems

• Collaborate with:

  • Electrical, hydraulic, and structural engineering

  • Vehicle integration teams

  • Manufacturing engineering for production readiness and packaging constraints

Prototyping, Testing & Validation

• Support prototype builds and commissioning activities

• Define and execute validation plans, including:

  • Thermal and pressure mapping

  • Motor characterization

  • Drive cycle and endurance testing

• Analyze test data and drive continuous design improvements

• Support system tuning and calibration as required

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as a subject matter expert for all powertrain-related systems

• Mentor and guide engineering team members

• Contribute to engineering standards, modeling methods, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Influence design decisions through technical leadership and best practices

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, or related field

• 7+ years of experience in powertrain engineering for off-highway equipment, AWPs, or similar mobile machinery

• Hands-on experience with:

  • Engines, electric drivetrains, or hybrid systems

  • Cooling systems and energy management

  • Power distribution and driveline components

• Strong analytical capabilities in modeling, simulation, and system evaluation

• Experience with global regulatory standards (ANSI, CSA, ISO, EPA, etc.)

• Proven ability to collaborate with global engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter

• Professional Engineer (PE) license

• Experience in electrification or hybrid powertrain systems

Core Competencies

• Strong engineering judgment and technical decision-making

• Systems-level thinking and problem-solving

• Root cause analysis and data-driven decision making

• Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration

• Leadership in technical reviews and product development

• Continuous improvement mindset

Work Environment

• Combination of office, lab, and manufacturing environments

• Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and shop conditions

Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

**Must be authorized to work in the United States, client is not able to offer sponsorship at this time

**Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check to be eligible for hire

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by governing law.