Manager Drivetrain Test Engineer

About the role

We are looking for a Manager of Drivetrain Test Engineering to oversee the development, validation, and testing of electromechanical actuation systems used in our light electric vehicle platforms. This leadership role involves building and managing a high-performing team of test engineers and technicians responsible for drivetrain validation activities from initial concept through to production. The successful candidate will define validation strategies, develop test plans, and ensure laboratory operations meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. This position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams including Mechanical Design, Electrical, Controls, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure that products meet performance, durability, NVH, efficiency, safety, and reliability targets. The role is based on-site in Palo Alto and involves overseeing complex testing infrastructure, developing automation frameworks, and leading root cause analysis and corrective actions for design and manufacturing issues.

Key facts

What you'll do

• 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 clear priorities, allocating resources effectively, and developing organizational capabilities across multiple vehicle programs.
• Define and execute comprehensive validation strategies, including Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R), test specifications, validation schedules, and End-of-Line (EOL) production test profiles, ensuring seamless transition from concept to mass production.
• Develop and maintain world-class test infrastructure, including dynamometers, environmental chambers, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems, data acquisition systems, and calibration tools, ensuring equipment readiness and operational excellence.
• Establish engineering standards, test methodologies, and automation frameworks that improve validation quality, repeatability, and efficiency, reducing cycle times and increasing reliability of test results.
• Lead cross-functional validation activities by coordinating with Mechanical Design, Electrical, Controls, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams to ensure all systems meet performance, durability, NVH, efficiency, safety, and reliability targets.
• Review validation results, perform root cause analysis, and lead corrective actions addressing design flaws, manufacturing issues, supplier problems, or field failures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in testing processes, infrastructure, and automation to enhance validation throughput and data quality.
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations and standards, including ITAR, ensuring all testing activities adhere to legal and safety requirements.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on validation progress, test results, and issues for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Support troubleshooting and failure analysis efforts by providing technical expertise and data interpretation to identify root causes and implement corrective measures.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to develop and qualify new testing equipment and infrastructure, ensuring scalability and future readiness.
• Manage testing budgets, schedules, and resource planning to meet project milestones and organizational goals.
• Foster a safety-first culture within the laboratory environment, ensuring all team members follow safety protocols and best practices.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing engineering test programs, preferably in the automotive or EV industry.
• Demonstrated success in delivering complex electromechanical products from concept through to production, utilizing structured validation methodologies.
• Deep understanding of EV powertrain systems, including electric motors, gearboxes, inverters, batteries, and electromechanical actuators, along with their validation requirements.
• Extensive hands-on experience with drivetrain testing, including performance, durability, thermal, environmental, efficiency, NVH, and End-of-Line (EOL) validation processes.
• Experience managing advanced test infrastructure such as dynamometers, HIL systems, environmental chambers, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools, and experience leading failure analysis and root cause investigations.
• Knowledge 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 teams and develop high-performing organizations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and adapt to changing requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with ITAR regulations and compliance standards related to automotive testing and manufacturing.

Nice to have

• Prior experience working in a startup or fast-paced innovation environment, demonstrating adaptability and resourcefulness.
• Background in electric vehicle systems beyond powertrain, such as chassis, battery management systems, or vehicle integration.
• Experience with automation frameworks, continuous improvement methodologies, and data analytics to optimize testing processes.
• Knowledge of safety standards and certifications relevant to automotive testing laboratories.
• Experience working with international suppliers and managing global testing infrastructure.

Skills & tools

• Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW for test automation, data analysis, and scripting.
• Drivetrain testing equipment including dynamometers, environmental chambers, and HIL systems.
• Data acquisition and instrumentation systems for capturing and analyzing test data.
• Test automation frameworks and validation methodologies to improve efficiency and repeatability.
• Cross-functional team collaboration and project management skills.

Practical notes

• This is an on-site role based in Palo Alto; candidates must be willing to work at the company's location.
• The position involves managing laboratory operations, overseeing complex testing infrastructure, and leading validation efforts for electromechanical systems.
• Candidates should have a strong background in EV powertrain testing, laboratory management, and team leadership.
• The salary range reflects experience and qualifications, with comprehensive benefits included.
• Benefits include robust health coverage (medical, dental, vision), with coverage up to 100%, FSA & HSA options, a One Medical membership, fertility and family-building benefits through Progyny, flexible time off, and a 401(k) match.
• The role requires compliance with ITAR regulations and adherence to safety standards.
• The successful candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of leading cross-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment dedicated to innovation in electric mobility.

About the company

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