Powertrain Technical Lead Engineer

Company Information

PACCAR is a Fortune 500 company established in 1905. It is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high‑quality light‑, medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced powertrains, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

Organization Information

PACCAR Powertrain is the newest business unit within PACCAR, dedicated to delivering advanced powertrain solutions for Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF trucks. The unit develops sophisticated heavy‑duty engine technologies and provides essential support functions such as testing, validation, and after‑sales service. Team members collaborate with a global, cross‑functional group focused on engineering innovative solutions that enhance customer uptime and drive operational efficiency.

Role Overview

The PACCAR Global Engine team is seeking a driven Powertrain Technical Lead Engineer to support product development, with a specific focus on heavy‑duty diesel engine performance for PACCAR’s North American engine families. The role provides technical leadership and contributes to the development and implementation of advanced powertrain technologies, collaborating with a global, cross‑functional team to drive technical solutions and advance quality and efficiency throughout the product development process.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to cross‑functional teams in resolving complex technical issues that impact engine product development, quality, reliability, and program execution.
• Drive departmental initiatives that improve product quality, engineering efficiency, development processes, and overall technical execution.
• Provide technical guidance for product changes, engine testing methods, data analysis, documentation, and internal reporting.
• Collaborate with global technology teams to evaluate and implement new technologies for North American production.
• Support software development, verification, release, and implementation for PACCAR engine platforms.
• Lead the definition of vehicle development plans, product requirements, and software prototyping strategies to support engine program objectives.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers by promoting technical excellence, teamwork, accountability, and a strong commitment to product quality.
• Support calibration, validation, verification, and release activities for production software and running‑change updates across PACCAR engine families.
• Maintain expert‑level knowledge of PACCAR engine software, emerging industry technologies, emissions regulations, and diagnostic requirements while building strong partnerships across engineering functions.

Qualifications & Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in the automotive, commercial vehicle, powertrain, or related industry, including at least two years in a technical leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership to cross‑functional engineering teams and driving resolution of complex technical issues.
• Strong knowledge of internal combustion engines, powertrain systems, engine controls, or related vehicle systems.
• Experience supporting engine or vehicle development activities, including testing, calibration, validation, verification, and production release.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 15%.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or comparable technical field.
• Sound knowledge of 1D engine simulation and design of experiments (DOE) for engine calibration.
• Direct experience with test‑cell and in‑vehicle diesel engine calibration, calibration tools, OBD, and engine control systems.
• Organized and disciplined with ability to manage personal workload and a willingness and initiative to respond to shifting time and project demands.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

• 401(k) with up to a 5% company match.
• Fully funded pension plan that provides monthly benefits after retirement.
• Comprehensive PTO – minimum of 10 paid vacation days (additional days provided with seniority/years of service), 12 paid holidays, and sick time.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Paid short‑ and long‑term disability programs.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program services including wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling, and more.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $119,100 – $186,300 annually.