What skills does a powertrain engineer need?

A powertrain engineer needs 78 essential skills including electronic test procedures, energy saving potential of automated shift systems, automotive diagnostic equipment, car controls, operation of different engines. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace powertrain engineer jobs?

The AI disruption score for powertrain engineer is 30/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Science & ResearchScience and engineering professionalsISCO 2144

powertrain engineer

Powertrain engineer work on the design of propulsion mechanisms across the automotive sector. This includes technical implementation of powertrain components, such as mechanical engineering, the electronics and software used in modern vehicles, as well as coordination and optimisation of multiple energy sources in the powertrain context.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (78)

electronic test procedureselectronic test proceduresTesting protocols that enable a variety of analyses of electronic systems, products, and components. These tests include the testing of electrical properties, such as voltage, current, resistance, cap...energy saving potential of automated shift systemsenergy saving potential of automated shift systemsPotential to save energy in automated shift systems through mechanisms such as improved efficiency and better anticipation of upcoming events.automotive diagnostic equipmentautomotive diagnostic equipmentThe equipment used to examine automotive systems and components.car controlscar controlsThe functioning of specific car equipment such as how to operate and handle the clutch, throttle, lighting, instrumentation, transmission and the brakes.operation of different enginesoperation of different enginesThe characteristics, maintenance requirements and operating procedures of various kinds of engines such as gas, diesel, electrical, and engines with steam propulsion plants.engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.types of fuelstypes of fuelsTypes of fuel available on the market such as petrol, diesel, bio-fuel, etc.electric motorselectric motorsMotors which are able to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.vehicle electrical systemsvehicle electrical systemsThe vehicle electrical systems, including components such as the battery, starter, and alternator. The battery provides energy to the starter. The alternator provides the battery the energy it require...design drawingsdesign drawingsThe drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.types of vehiclestypes of vehiclesField of information which distinguishes rental agency classification systems, containing types and classes of vehicles and their functioning and components.principles of mechanical engineeringprinciples of mechanical engineeringThe principles of mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science.mechanical components of vehiclesmechanical components of vehiclesThe mechanical components used in vehicles, their maintenance needs, potential malfunctions and resolution actions.fuel cell typesfuel cell typesFuel cells functionalities and types. It includes the operating conditions of fuel cells and possible related problems.hybrid modelhybrid modelThe hybrid model consists of principles and fundamentals of service-oriented modelling for business and software systems that allow the design and specification of service-oriented business systems wi...mechanical systemsmechanical systemsMechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.mechanics of motor vehiclesmechanics of motor vehiclesThe way energy forces interact and affect components in motor vehicles such as cars, buses, invalid carriages and other motorised vehicles.aerodynamicsaerodynamicsThe scientific field that deals with the way gases interact with moving bodies. As we usually deal with atmospheric air, aerodynamics is primarily concerned with the forces of drag and lift, which are...CAE softwareCAE softwareThe software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.types of vehicle enginestypes of vehicle enginesTypes of car engines in road and racing cars, including those with emerging technologies like hybrids and electric motors, and how they work.battery componentsbattery componentsThe physical components, such as wiring, electronics and voltaic cells that can be found in batteries. The components vary according to size and type of battery.hybrid vehicle architecturehybrid vehicle architectureHybrid vehicle nomenclature, classification and architectures including efficiency considerations. Pros and cons of series, parallel and power split solutions. It excludes the architecture and R&D in ...electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.mechanical engineeringmechanical engineeringDiscipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.hybrid control systemshybrid control systemsControl systems containing both subsystems with continuous dynamics as well as subsystems with discrete dynamics.CAD softwareCAD softwareThe computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.electric driveselectric drivesElectromechanical systems that utilise electric motors to control the movement and processes of electrical machinery.principles of combustion enginesprinciples of combustion enginesBasic knowledge and understanding of different types of engines and their construction and performance.green automotive technologiesgreen automotive technologiesTechnologies that allow the development of sustainable practices within the automotive industry. They are focused on lowering the negative effects of this industry on the environment such as air pollu...electrical testing methodselectrical testing methodsTest procedures performed on electrical equipment and machinery in order to check the performance and quality of the electrical equipment and their adherence to specifications. During these tests elec...test procedurestest proceduresThe methods for producing results in science or engineering, such as physical tests, chemical tests, or statistical tests.mechatronicsmechatronicsMultidisciplinary field of engineering that combines principles of electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering in the ...computer technologycomputer technologyComputers, computer networks and other information technologies and equipment that can store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data.Prototyping developmentPrototyping developmentThe prototyping development model is a methodology to design software systems and applications.vehicle manufacturing processvehicle manufacturing processSeries of steps taken in order to produce a car or any other motor vehicle such as the design, the chassis and body assembly, the painting process, the interior assembly and the quality control.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.automation technologyautomation technologySet of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.engine componentsengine componentsThe different engine components, their operation, lifecycle and maintenance and repairing needs.design electrical systemsdesign electrical systemsDraft sketches and design electrical systems, products, and components using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and equipment. Draw panel arrangement layouts, electrical schematics, electrical wirin...prepare vehicle trimprepare vehicle trimPrepare vehicle trim work in accordance with technical drawings and preliminary sketches.calibrate enginescalibrate enginesUse calibration tools to adjust and tune engines to ensure optimal performance and durability.develop electronic test proceduresdevelop electronic test proceduresDevelop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of electronic systems, products, and components.automotive engineeringautomotive engineeringThe discipline of engineering that combines mechanical, electrical, electronic, software and safety engineering to design motor vehicles such as trucks, vans and automobiles.control the performance of the vehiclecontrol the performance of the vehicleUnderstand and anticipate the performance and behaviour of a vehicle. Comprehend concepts such as lateral stability, acceleration, and braking distance.plan engineering activitiesplan engineering activitiesOrganise engineering activities before starting them.execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.use computer-aided engineering systemsuse computer-aided engineering systemsUse computer-aided engineering software to conduct stress analyses on engineering designs.adjust engineering designsadjust engineering designsAdjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.perform test runperform test runPerform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, ...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.use technical drawing softwareuse technical drawing softwareCreate technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.manage engineering projectmanage engineering projectManage engineering project resources, budget, deadlines, and human resources, and plan schedules as well as any technical activities pertinent to the project.compare alternative vehiclescompare alternative vehiclesCompare the performance of alternative vehicles based on factors such as their energy consumption and the energy density per volume and per mass of different fuels employed.model electromechanical systemsmodel electromechanical systemsModel and simulate an electromechanical system, product, or component so that an assessment can be made of the viability of the product and so the physical parameters can be examined before the actual...monitor technology trendsmonitor technology trendsSurvey and investigate recent trends and developments in technology. Observe and anticipate their evolution, according to current or future market and business conditions.install car electronicsinstall car electronicsPlace electrically operated accessories in vehicles such as batteries which power heating systems, radios and anti-theft systems.execute software testsexecute software testsPerform tests to ensure that a software product will perform flawlessly under the specified customer requirements and identify software defects (bugs) and malfunctions, using specialised software tool...collaborate with engineerscollaborate with engineersWork closely and communicate with engineers on designs or new products.simulate mechatronic design conceptssimulate mechatronic design conceptsSimulate mechatronic design concepts through creating mechanical models and performing tolerance analysis.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.model hardwaremodel hardwareModel and simulate computer hardware using technical design software. Assess the viability of the product and examine the physical parameters to ensure a successful production process.conduct performance testsconduct performance testsConduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditi...liaise with engineersliaise with engineersCollaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.provide technical expertiseprovide technical expertiseProvide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.perform vehicle testsperform vehicle testsTest, inspect and maintain vehicles; refresh oil and change tires; balance wheels and replace filters.design control systemsdesign control systemsDevelop devices that command and manage the behaviour of other devices and systems, using engineering and electronics principles.define technical requirementsdefine technical requirementsSpecify technical properties of goods, materials, methods, processes, services, systems, software and functionalities by identifying and responding to the particular needs that are to be satisfied acc...apply health and safety standardsapply health and safety standardsAdhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.assess powertrainassess powertrainAssess suitability of powertrain components for given boundaries such as vehicle mission, traction requirements, dynamic demand and costs. It includes considerations on wheel hub motors, electric driv...prepare production prototypesprepare production prototypesPrepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.assess financial viabilityassess financial viabilityRevise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Asse...design hybrid operating strategiesdesign hybrid operating strategiesDesign operating strategies for hybrid drive systems, with the exclusion of non plug-in hybrid systems, accounting for the boundaries for energy recuperation and its limiting factors. Consider the pos...position engine on test standposition engine on test standPosition the engine on a stand or in a cell, ready for testing, by using a hoist or overhead crane.evaluate engine performanceevaluate engine performanceRead and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.develop test proceduresdevelop test proceduresDevelop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of products, systems, and components.assemble automotive batteriesassemble automotive batteriesManufacture batteries for motor vehicles by using hand tools, power tools or automated machines. Read and understand blueprints and technical plans to comprehend specifications and requirements.approve engineering designapprove engineering designGive consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.design electronic systemsdesign electronic systemsDraft sketches and design electronic systems, products, and components using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and equipment. Make a simulation so that an assessment can be made of the viability of...

Optional (56)

systems development life-cyclesystems development life-cycleThe sequence of steps, such as planning, creating, testing and deploying and the models for the development and life-cycle management of a system.locomotive brake applicationslocomotive brake applicationsThe dynamics of locomotive brake applications.motor vehicle parts drawingsmotor vehicle parts drawingsThe various types of technical drawings used in relation to motor vehicles parts.model based system engineeringmodel based system engineeringModel-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a methodology for systems engineering that uses visual modelling as the primary means of communicating information. It is focused on creating and exploiting d...material mechanicsmaterial mechanicsThe behaviour of solid objects when subjected to stresses and strains, and the methods to calculate these stresses and strains.manufacturing processesmanufacturing processesThe steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.CADD softwareCADD softwareThe computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) is the use of computer technology for design and design documentation. CAD software replaces manual drafting with an automated process.electrical engineeringelectrical engineeringThe field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.microelectronicsmicroelectronicsMicroelectronics is a subdiscipline of electronics and relates the study, design, and manufacture of small electronic components, such as microchips.aerospace engineeringaerospace engineeringThe engineering discipline that combines various technologies and engineering disciplines such as avionics, materials science and aerodynamics in order to design, develop and manufacture aircraft, spa...project managementproject managementThe discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.electrical instrumentation engineeringelectrical instrumentation engineeringThe way in which electrical and instrumentation engineering (E and I engineering) modernises the production infrastructure from design to preparation of execution phase and the execution phase itself ...power electronicspower electronicsThe functioning, design, and usage of electronics that control and convert electric power. Power conversion systems are usually categorised as AC-DC or rectifiers, DC-AC or inverters, DC-DC converters...control engineeringcontrol engineeringSubdiscipline of engineering that focuses on controlling the behaviour of systems through the use of sensors and actuators.operation of transport equipmentoperation of transport equipmentUse of transportation gear, such as car, forklift, truck, tractor, trailer, convoy.vehicle-to-everything technologiesvehicle-to-everything technologiesTechnology that allows vehicles to communicate with other vehicles and traffic system infrastructure around them. This technology is composed of two elements: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) which allows veh...types of tyrestypes of tyresDifferent types of rubber coverings and inflated tubes used for specific vehicles and weather conditions such as winter and summer tyres, performance tyres, truck or tractor tyres.power engineeringpower engineeringSubdiscipline of energy and electrical engineering which specialises in the generation, transmission, distribution, and usage of electrical power through the connection of electrical devices to motors...advanced driver assistant systemsadvanced driver assistant systemsVehicle-based intelligent safety systems which could improve road safety in terms of crash avoidance, crash severity mitigation and protection, and automatic post-crash notification of collision. Inte...electrical wiring diagramselectrical wiring diagramsThe visual schematic representation of an electrical circuit, its components, and the connections between these components.model power electronicsmodel power electronicsModel and simulate power electronics systems, products, and components using technical design software. Assess the viability of the product and examine the physical parameters to ensure a successful p...design power electronicsdesign power electronicsDesign and develop power electronics systems, products, and components according to specifications. Select suitable ancillary devices for the intended application.solve technical problemssolve technical problemsIdentify technical problems when operating devices and using digital environments, and solve them (from trouble-shooting to solving more complex problems).operate diesel propulsion plantsoperate diesel propulsion plantsOperate diesel and gas turbine propulsion plants including related machinery, such as auxiliary boilers, auxiliary engines, incinerators, air compressors, fuel and fuel oil purifiers.describe electric drive systemdescribe electric drive systemDescribe the complete electric drive system with all components needed. These components are the inverter, the e-motor and other auxiliaries like the DC/DC converter, and chargers.test power electronicstest power electronicsTest power electronics using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data on systems and components, such as analogue and digital circuit tolerance, power losses and overall efficiency as electricit...diagnose problems with vehiclesdiagnose problems with vehiclesDiagnose issues with vehicles and assess the efforts and costs required to resolve them.maintain braking systemmaintain braking systemMaintain the system that stops motor vehicles and bicycles. Identify problems such as leakages. Make repairs if necessary by using hand and power tools.use CADD softwareuse CADD softwareUse computer-aided design and drafting software to make detailed drawings and blueprints of designs.report test findingsreport test findingsReport test results with a focus on findings and recommendations, differentiating results by levels of severity. Include relevant information from the test plan and outline the test methodologies, usi...test mechatronic unitstest mechatronic unitsTest mechatronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.prepare engine room for operationprepare engine room for operationPrepare and start main engine and auxiliary engines; prepare machinery in engine room prior to departure; know and follow starting procedures according to checklist.provide software testing documentationprovide software testing documentationDescribe software testing procedures to technical team and analysis of test outcomes to users and clients in order to inform them about state and efficiency of software.coordinate engineering teamscoordinate engineering teamsPlan, coordinate and supervise engineering activities together with engineers and engineering technicians. Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments. Make sure the te...organise technical operating information for vehiclesorganise technical operating information for vehiclesGather and process technical information documents such as vendor manuals.design engineering componentsdesign engineering componentsDesign engineering parts, assemblies, products, or systems.operate testbedsoperate testbedsOperate testbeds which are designed to assist in the process of testing new equipment or engines. Control testbeds to facilitate the testing of engines or machinery under maintenance conditions.maintain motor vehicle steering systemmaintain motor vehicle steering systemMaintain the system that allows motor vehicles to be directed towards a desired route through steering wheel linkages by using hand and power tools. Make repairs if necessary.re-assemble enginesre-assemble enginesRe-assemble transport equipment engines after overhaul, inspection, repair, maintenace or cleaning according to blueprints and technical plans.calibrate electromechanical systemcalibrate electromechanical systemCorrect and adjust the reliability of an electromechanical system by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regula...maintain vehicle servicemaintain vehicle serviceMonitor the health of vehicles and take measures to optimise service and execute repairs. Communicate with service workshop and dealers.run simulationsrun simulationsRun simulations and audits to assess operability of newly implemented setups; detect errors for improvement.draft design specificationsdraft design specificationsList the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.design chassisdesign chassisDevise and manufacture a series of custom chassis using design software. Apply compliance with own plans, creations and blueprints.perform vehicle diagnostic proceduresperform vehicle diagnostic proceduresPerform diagnostic procedures on vehicle systems. Determine and perform all required repair and maintenance operations.evaluate vehicle ecological footprintevaluate vehicle ecological footprintEvaluate the ecological footprint of vehicles and use various methods to analyse green-house gas emissions such as CO2 emissions.design prototypesdesign prototypesDesign prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.test electronic unitstest electronic unitsTest electronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.anticipate change in car technologyanticipate change in car technologyStay up-to-date with latest trends in car technology and anticipate change in the field.design electromechanical systemsdesign electromechanical systemsDraft sketches and design electromechanical systems, products, and components using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and equipment.collaborate with designerscollaborate with designersCommunicate and collaborate with fellow designers in order to coordinate new products and designs.provide technical trainingprovide technical trainingExplain and demonstrate the use of training equipment and system functions.distribute technical information on operation of vehiclesdistribute technical information on operation of vehiclesDistribute information resources such as drawings, diagrams, and sketches that describe in detail the technical characteristics of vehicles.operate ship propulsion systemoperate ship propulsion systemPerform start-up and subsequent observation of the working parameters of the ship's propulsion system. Check the operating parameters of electric generators in the switchboard, power sources and elect...model electrical systemmodel electrical systemModel and simulate an electrical system, product, or component so that an assessment can be made of the viability of the product and so the physical parameters can be examined before the actual buildi...design sensorsdesign sensorsDesign and develop different types of sensors according to specifications, such as vibration sensors, heat sensors, optical sensors, humidity sensors, and electric current sensors.