Job Description
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. Learn more about us at specsys.com and apply today!
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE including 4/10-hour shifts and 5/8-hour shifts with flexible start times!
STARTING SALARY RANGE: $82,000 to $94,000 annually
BENEFITS & PERKS: Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance; HSA/FSA options, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance; Short- and Long-Term Disability; 401(k) with Employer Match; Term Life Insurance; Employee Assistance Program; Employee-of-the-Month and Year, On-site Welding Training and Certifications; RITALKA University; Employee Luncheons; Family Company Picnic; Community Volunteering
As the Senior Powertrain Engineer, you will manage design, develop, and integrating 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.
What does the Senior Powertrain Engineer do at SpecSys?
- 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
How would we define a good candidate?
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or related
- 8+ years of 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
Many tasks include their own work and/or the review of work of others in the department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
SpecSys Overview
When it comes to recruiting, many companies focus on an applicant's faults - what doesn't fit, what experience they don't have, etc. Our philosophy is different in that we are actively looking for a reason to hire someone. SpecSys is a full-service provider that offers project management, engineering, and manufacturing for fast-track projects, systems, and products with a main focus on large mobile equipment - if it moves and it's big, we can do it! At SpecSys, we take safety and quality very seriously. We want our employees to go home in the same way they arrived at work (maybe even better if possible) and we do that by providing our services On Time, On Budget, and Done Right. As one of the few engineering and manufacturing companies that are ISO-9001:2015 certified, you know that our standards and processes are first-rate.
Why You Should Apply Here
SpecSys is a family-owned company that focuses on creating jobs in rural communities in the upper Midwest; purposefully deciding to create jobs away from the chaos of larger metro areas. Our company values help to foster strong relationships with not only our employees and customers, but also our communities. We take pride in finding careers that fit the person rather than a person to fit a job which allows us all to do extraordinary things with ordinary people.
We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.