Powertrain Test Engineer
Senior powertrain test engineer at an electric vehicle company: sets up and maintains powertrain test rigs and lab equipment, configures DAQ and instrumentation, runs component- and system-level EV powertrain tests, analyzes data for root-cause analysis, and develops automated test software in Garden Grove, CA.
- Compensation
- $120K–$140K / yr
- Location
- Garden Grove, CA
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Category
- Qa
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience
- Approximately 3-5 years of relevant experience in test engineering, mechatronics, electro-mechanical integration, instrumentation, or hardware development
- Hands-on experience setting up, integrating, and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical hardware in a lab, test facility, or product development environment
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems, sensors, instrumentation, signal measurement, and test equipment
- Experience collecting, processing, and analyzing test data using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment documentation
- Strong troubleshooting skills for hardware and system integration challenges
- Comfortable working directly with physical hardware and using electrical measurement tools
- Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to repeatability, data quality, and laboratory safety
- Collaborative, hands-on mindset working across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines
Full description
About Harbinger
Harbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger’s best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to bring a first-of-its-kind EV platform to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs and Hybrids. Harbinger: Familiar Form, Revolutionary Foundation.
Job Overview
Based out of our Garden Grove headquarters, the Powertrain Test Engineer is responsible for execution of system level Powertrain testing as part of Harbinger’s development and validation process. They will collaborate closely with fellow test engineers to execute comprehensive system-level testing, drive innovation in our test facility capabilities, and partner with stakeholders to develop robust testing methodologies. The role will have a key focus on the electrical, mechanical, and software integration of Powertrain systems and test rigs, building out robust instrumentation and data acquisition systems, and executing development and validation test plans through comprehensive test planning, data analysis, and report writing.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead and execute component and system-level development and validation testing of electric motors and drive units within the lab.
- Design and architect electric motor and drive unit dynamometers and HIL systems for development testing of advanced concept projects.
- Source, troubleshoot, and maintain test rig equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems across custom test rigs
- Leverage data analysis and advanced testing methodologies to reproduce and characterize failures for rapid issue resolution.
- Design, fabricate, and assemble a wide variety of fixtures, adapters, mounts, and tooling for instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test devices.
- Design and construct electrical control panels (including power distribution, grounding, fuses, relays, terminal blocks, and safety interlocks) for automated test systems.
- Document system designs, schematics, software logic, and test procedures for compliance and knowledge transfer.
Who You Are:
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering (or similar) with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience with emphasis on validation testing and system integration (mechanical, electrical, and software).
- Deep understanding of dynamometer operating principles from a system level, with the ability to conceptualize, design, and specify comprehensive test cell layouts for high-voltage EV powertrains.
- Fundamental understanding of the working principles of electric motors and inverters.