Principal AME Equipment Engineer, Powertrain (Direct Placement)

Actalent

Garden Grove, CA, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Engineering

Full Time

Job Description

Job Title: Principal AME Equipment Engineer, Powertrain

** if you are interested in this opportunity, please feel free to apply and email me your resume at alalfaro @ astoncarter.com so we can schedule a time to connect asap! **

Job Description

The Principal AME Equipment Engineer, Powertrain will provide strategic leadership for the design, deployment, and optimization of advanced manufacturing equipment for electric vehicle powertrain lines. This role owns the full equipment lifecycle, from concept and specification through installation, ramp-up, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on high-precision automation, quality, and safety. The position requires deep technical expertise in Electric Drive Unit and drivetrain assembly, as well as proven experience leading large-scale, highly automated manufacturing projects in a high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

Define and implement the long-term process and equipment strategy for EV powertrain manufacturing lines, including precision CNC machining for housings and shafts, winding, motor magnet assembly, component pressing, precision balancing, gearbox assembly, fluid filling, leak and pressure testing, and EDU end-of-line dynamometer performance testing.
Lead the complete equipment lifecycle from concept definition, SOR and specification development, vendor selection, detailed design review, FAT and SAT execution, through installation, commissioning, production ramp-up, and ongoing continuous improvement.
Plan and lead new powertrain assembly line setups, including process flow definition, layout development, and installation of new lines, while managing integration of utilities such as compressed air, specialized coolants and oils, and high-voltage power.
Ensure seamless integration of automation cells, heavy material handling systems, and supporting equipment into existing and new manufacturing environments.
Serve as the technical subject matter expert for all powertrain equipment, applying deep knowledge of high-precision automation, servo and torque control fastening, process control methods such as force and displacement monitoring, and quality inspection systems including NDT, metrology, and gear inspection.
Drive Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly initiatives with powertrain product engineering teams to optimize EDU and chassis component designs for automated assembly, reducing complexity and maximizing process capability in critical mechanical and electrical processes.
Partner with Tier 1 equipment suppliers, leading complex technical discussions, negotiating precise equipment specifications, and ensuring on-time delivery while meeting quality, performance, and cost targets.
Lead process optimization and validation activities to improve equipment performance, OEE, yield, and cycle time using statistical process control, design of experiments, root cause analysis, PFMEA, and control plans.
Collaborate closely with Product Design, Quality, Controls, and Operations teams to ensure successful project execution and smooth integration of new equipment into production, with particular focus on the marriage of the EDU with the chassis structure.
Apply structured problem-solving and rigorous data analysis to identify issues, implement robust corrective actions, and sustain improvements in equipment and process performance.
Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and leadership across cross-functional teams to promote best practices in advanced manufacturing engineering and high-precision automation.
Support domestic and international travel as needed to visit suppliers, support equipment builds and buy-offs, and oversee installation and ramp-up activities at manufacturing sites.

Essential Skills

At least 15+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing engineering within automotive or a related high-volume industry.
At least 8+ years of focused experience in high-precision Electric Drive Unit assembly, ICE drivetrain assembly, or highly automated chassis or sub-assembly manufacturing.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
Deep expertise in high-speed rotor and stator assembly, winding, precision balancing, and component pressing such as bearings and shafts.
Strong familiarity with precision liquid dispensing processes, including sealants and thermal paste, and automated leak and pressure testing methods.
Expert knowledge of electric motor end-of-line dynamometer testing and interpretation of test data.
Proven track record of bringing new, complex, and highly automated manufacturing equipment from concept into stable high-volume production.
Strong proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks or CATIA for reviewing complex equipment designs, tooling, and layouts.
Experience using simulation tools such as Delmia for process or layout simulation is a plus.
Demonstrated project leadership experience managing multi-million-dollar, large-scale equipment projects with critical safety and quality requirements.
Ability to perform rigorous statistical analysis and apply structured root cause analysis techniques to develop and implement robust corrective actions.
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required to support suppliers, installations, and production ramps.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Experience working in a startup or rapidly scaling production environment.
Practical application of Lean Manufacturing principles in a high-volume production setting.
Experience with Six Sigma methodologies, with Black Belt certification preferred.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar project management certification.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to translate complex technical requirements into clear equipment specifications and process standards.

Work Environment

This role operates in a highly technical, advanced manufacturing environment focused on electric vehicle powertrain production. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering, quality, controls, and operations teams, as well as external equipment suppliers, to design and deploy highly automated production lines. The work involves frequent interaction with precision CNC machining centers, automated assembly equipment, servo and torque control systems, leak and pressure testing stations, and EDU end-of-line dynamometer test stands. You will regularly review equipment designs and layouts using CAD tools such as SolidWorks or CATIA, and may leverage simulation software like Delmia to refine process flows and layouts. The position may require time on the factory floor during installation, commissioning, and ramp-up, as well as domestic and international travel to supplier facilities and manufacturing sites. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement, with a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Garden Grove, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $190000.00/yr.

Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision (HDV) – 100% employee covered Early-stage Stock Options Robust Retirement Savings (401k, HSA, FSA) Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) & Parental Leave Annual Vacation Bonus Wellness & Fertility Benefits Cell Phone Stipend Complimentary Meals & Stocked Kitchens

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Garden Grove,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.