Senior Powertrain Engineer in Nacogdoches, Texas at Nexio Power Inc

Nexio is transforming the commercial vehicle industry through innovative propane and renewable propane-powered transportation solutions. Our mission is to deliver cleaner, more sustainable powertrain technologies that provide real-world economic and environmental benefits without compromising performance. As a rapidly growing organization, Nexio offers employees the opportunity to make a direct impact while helping shape the future of alternative-fuel transportation.

Position Summary

The Senior Powertrain Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for the design, development, integration, validation, and continuous improvement of Nexio's alternative-fuel powertrain systems. This role plays a critical part in advancing Nexio's propane and renewable propane vehicle platforms, ensuring performance, reliability, emissions compliance, manufacturability, and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in internal combustion engines, alternative fuels, vehicle integration, calibration support, and systems engineering. This individual will work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, service, suppliers, and executive leadership to bring innovative powertrain solutions from concept through production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Powertrain Engineering Leadership

• Lead development of propane and renewable propane powertrain systems for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
• Serve as technical subject matter expert for engine, fuel system, transmission, cooling, exhaust, and vehicle integration activities.
• Develop and maintain powertrain architecture, specifications, and design standards.
• Drive engineering decisions through data analysis, testing, and root-cause investigation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams.

Product Development

• Lead powertrain development activities throughout the product lifecycle from concept through production launch.
• Define system requirements, validation plans, and performance targets.
• Coordinate prototype builds, testing activities, and engineering change implementation.
• Support vehicle integration efforts to ensure optimal system performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with suppliers and strategic partners on component development and qualification.

Testing & Validation

• Develop and execute validation plans for engines, fuel systems, and integrated vehicle platforms.
• Analyze test results and recommend design improvements.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of field and production issues.
• Support emissions, durability, thermal management, and performance testing activities.
• Ensure products meet customer requirements and regulatory standards.

Manufacturing & Production Support

• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to support production readiness.
• Assist with development of assembly procedures, work instructions, and quality controls.
• Evaluate engineering changes for manufacturability and cost impact.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and scalability.

Supplier & Customer Engagement

• Interface directly with suppliers regarding technical requirements, issue resolution, and product improvements.
• Support customer demonstrations, pilot programs, and field evaluations.
• Provide technical expertise during customer visits and industry events.
• Assist Sales and After-Sales teams with technical product support when needed.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure engineering documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with company standards.
• Support emissions certification and regulatory compliance activities.
• Maintain compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and industry standards.
• Generate technical reports, specifications, validation documentation, and design reviews.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 8–12 years of progressive engineering experience in powertrain, engine, vehicle systems, or related automotive engineering fields.
• Experience supporting powertrain development through production launch.
• Experience working with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or advanced vehicle manufacturers.
• Proven experience leading technical projects and cross-functional engineering teams.

Technical Knowledge

• Internal combustion engine systems.
• Alternative fuel systems (propane, natural gas, hydrogen, or similar).
• Vehicle integration and systems engineering principles.
• Engine performance, emissions, and thermal management.
• Powertrain controls and calibration fundamentals.
• Failure analysis and root-cause methodologies.
• Design validation and reliability engineering.
• Manufacturing and quality systems.

Software & Tools

• Experience with some combination of:
• CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, or similar)
• Data acquisition and analysis tools
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Product lifecycle management (PLM) systems
• Engineering documentation systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience with propane-powered vehicle systems.
• Experience supporting EPA or CARB certification programs.
• Knowledge of heavy-duty truck applications.
• Experience working in startup or high-growth manufacturing environments.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification.
• Familiarity with SAE standards and automotive regulatory requirements. Competencies

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in office, laboratory, manufacturing, and vehicle testing environments.

Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and inspect equipment for extended periods.

Ability to travel up to 20% as required for suppliers, customers, testing, and industry events.

Success Measures

• Success in this role will be measured by:
• Achievement of powertrain performance and reliability targets.
• Successful launch and integration of new vehicle platforms.
• Reduction of engineering-related production and field issues.
• Timely completion of development milestones.
• Support of regulatory compliance and certification objectives.
• Contribution to Nexio's growth and product innovation strategy.