Powertrain technical lead engineer

PACCAR Powertrain is seeking an experienced Powertrain Technical Lead Engineer to join our team at the PACCAR Technical Center in Mount Vernon, WA.

Company Information

PACCAR is a Fortune 500 company established in 1905. PACCAR 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. Whether you want to design the transportation technology of tomorrow, support the staff functions of a dynamic, international leader, or build our excellent products and services — you can develop the career you desire with PACCAR. Get started!

Organization Information

PACCAR Powertrain is the newest business unit within PACCAR, dedicated to delivering advanced powertrain solutions for Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF trucks. This includes the development of sophisticated heavy-duty engine technologies, along with essential support functions such as testing, validation, and aftersales service. As part of this team, you will collaborate with a global, cross-functional group focused on engineering innovative solutions that enhance customer uptime and drive operational efficiency. Our success is driven by individuals who are passionate about technology, thrive in collaborative environments, and bring a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. We value team members who are curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement, who take ownership, communicate effectively across disciplines, and are motivated by the challenge of delivering industry-leading performance and reliability.

Requisition Summary:

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. This role provides an exciting opportunity to deliver technical leadership and contribute to the development and implementation of advanced powertrain technologies. The selected candidate will collaborate with a global, cross-functional team to drive technical solutions and advance quality and efficiency throughout the product development process. Key areas of responsibility include developing and improving engine testing methods, performing technical analysis, supporting issue resolution, preparing technical documentation, and communicating results through internal reporting.

Job Functions / 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 communications skills.

Why work for PACCAR?

Global Fortune 500 Company with a wide array of growth and development opportunities. Work alongside experienced goal-oriented colleagues recognized as experts in their fields. Support and/or design the commercial vehicles of the future with a focus on emerging technologies such as electric and autonomous trucks.

As a U.S. PACCAR employee, you have a full range of benefit options including:

• 401k 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 are provided with additional 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 account (HSA).
• Paid short-and long-term disability programs.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• EAP services include wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling and more.

Additional Job Board Information

At PACCAR, we value talent and promote growth and development. We carefully consider numerous compensation factors including your education, training, or experience. The salary range for this role is $119,100-$186,300 annually. Additionally, this role is eligible for the full range of benefit options listed above. PACCAR promotes equal employment opportunities by implementing policies and practices that ensure employees and applicants are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status or other legally protected status. This applies to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion, termination, rates of pay, and other conditions of employment.