Manager Drivetrain Test Engineer
Palo Alto$190k - $250kFull-timePosted 2mo ago
About the role
Lead and grow the drivetrain test engineering organization to validate actuators, motors, geartrains, structural components, sensing, and electronics integration for next-generation EV platforms, from concept through production.
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
Qualifications
- 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
Skills
Required:Team leadership and coachingValidation strategyEV powertrain knowledgeDrivetrain testingTest infrastructureAnalytical tools
Benefits
- Robust health coverage — 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
Last updated Aug 19, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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