Senior Powertrain Engineer

Relate Search has partnered with a global manufacturer in its search for a Senior Powertrain Engineer to provide hands-on design, development, and sustaining support across small-engine powertrain systems. This role will own complex engineering work spanning engines, drive lines, transmissions, differentials, fuel systems, and related vehicle integration. The engineer will work closely with suppliers and cross-functional engineering, testing, prototype, and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot issues and support new-product development.

This is an opportunity for an experienced powertrain engineer to take broad technical ownership in an on-site environment where design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing work closely together.

• Lead hands-on design, development, integration, and sustaining work across small gas-engine powertrain systems, including engines, drive lines, CVTs, differentials, gearboxes, gear reducers, reverse gears, and fuel systems.
• Own technical problem-solving related to performance, RPM, torque, heat transfer, noise, gear geometry, machining, and the connection of the engine and driveline to the vehicle.
• Partner directly with suppliers on engine development, application requirements, duty cycles, troubleshooting, component changes, and technical issue resolution.
• Collaborate with on-site engineering, prototype, test, validation, and manufacturing teams to move designs from development through testing and production support.
• Provide autonomous powertrain expertise across both new-product development and day-to-day sustaining needs, escalating issues when appropriate and driving them to resolution.

• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program required.
• Approximately 7+ years of relevant engineering experience preferred for the senior-level role; candidates with fewer years may be considered when they bring highly relevant hands-on small-engine experience.
• Direct experience with small gas engines required; diesel experience is also relevant.
• Proven hands-on design experience with engines, drive lines, transmissions, differentials, gearboxes, or related powertrain systems; backgrounds limited to calibration, analysis, heat flow, or temperature work are not sufficient.
• Ability to work independently, communicate effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams, learn unfamiliar technical areas quickly, and drive engineering problems to resolution.
• On-site engineering environment with design, prototyping, testing, validation, and manufacturing teams located together.
• Relocation assistance available; a signing bonus may also be considered for the right candidate.
• Project-dependent travel of approximately 25% or less, including supplier and customer-site support when needed.

Relate Search is a Woman, Minority, and LGBTQIA+ owned executive and professional search firm dedicated to connecting top talent with meaningful opportunity. With deep expertise across Supply Chain & Operations, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Accounting & Finance we deliver customized, people-first recruiting solutions that drive lasting impact.

Relate Search is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to building inclusive teams where everyone belongs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.