Powertrain Technician

Job Title


Powertrain Technician

About Canoo


Canoo’s mission is to bring EVs to Everyone and build a world-class team to deploy this sustainable mobility revolution. We have developed breakthrough electric vehicles that are reinventing the automotive landscape with pioneering technologies, award-winning designs, and a unique business model that spans all owners in the full lifecycle of the vehicle. Canoo is starting production and is distinguished by its pioneering and experienced team of technologists, engineers, and designers. With offices around the country, the company is scaling quickly and seeking candidates who love to challenge themselves, are motivated by purpose, and possess a strong desire to get things done.


The “Canoo Way”


Canoo’s success is the direct result of our disciplined application of our core operating principles and drills, which are based on three main principles: Think 80/20 (“Important versus less important”), Act 30/30 (“Reduce waste and increase output”), and Live 90/10 (“We have each other’s back”). We hire based on “MET” - Mindset, Equipment and willingness to Train - and seek individuals that take accountability and deliver results being Humble, Hungry to succeed, and Hunting for opportunities to win. We train our team to engage with each other by modulating between their intellect (iQ) and emotional intelligence (eQ) applying Facts, Finesse, and Force when they communicate. The principles and drills of the CANOO Way have been fundamental to our success, our ability to grow, continuously improve, innovate and are at the core of our day-to-day operations.


Job Purpose


The Powertrain Technician will support powertrain test engineers in the setup, execution, and analysis of drive unit rig testing. The technician will be responsible for building test fixtures and assisting with lab & rework activities.

Responsibilities (80s of the Position)

• Configure, set-up, and maintain electric vehicle propulsion units on dynamometer test stand
• Install instrumentation and data acquisition tools onto test units, create custom fixtures as needed to install sensors and test equipment (mechanical fabrication required)
• Monitor and maintain test cell facility equipment i.e. dynamometers, pumps, chillers, battery simulators. Establish and execute equipment PM (periodic maintenance)
• Perform propulsion unit testing on dynamometer under engineering direction
• Determine Root Cause, document and report any issues discovered during testing or while performing inspections and report to test engineers and/or design engineers directly
• Provide daily written and verbal test status updates
• Support general mechanical /electrical work as required in the facility
• Perform entry-level work in the inspection, repair, and service of electric vehicles
• Operate a variety of hand, power, and shop tools
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals

Required Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in powertrain test cells (IC engine or EV)
• Familiarity with fundamentals of mounting, aligning, and maintaining high precision drivelines typically used in powertrain test cells
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with building of precision machines including IC engines, gearboxes, differentials, electric motors
• Knowledge of methods, techniques, parts, tools, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of vehicles
• Familiar with operation and maintenance of a wide variety of hand power tools, shop tools, and automotive and electrical test equipment
• Efficient skills in basic automotive techniques related to repair and servicing of automobiles
• Light duty fabrication experienced with drill press, sheet metal tools, and various hand tools
• Low voltage vehicle wiring (12v system and component integration)
• Data Logging and instrumentation with experience in thermocouples & accelerometers
• Proven ability to effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines
• Associate degree or Certificate in Automotive Technology
• Flexibility to work alternate shifts, overtime, weekends
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record

Preferred Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering Technology or Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Previous history of working as Test Operator in powertrain test cell
• Experience with commercial dynamometers
• Experience with instrumentation routines and calibration equipment
• Proficiency with setup and operation of test cell data acquisition equipment including Vector, NI, CAN
• Experience with post-processing, documentation, interpretation of powertrain test results
• Knowledge of EV powertrain architecture

Travel Requirements

• Up to 10% domestic travel

Physical Requirements for Physical Positions

While performing the duties of this job, employees may be required to lift up to 25 or more pounds, stand, sit, bend/stoop, or operate office equipment or machinery.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

What's Cool About Working Here...

• Meaningful, challenging work that will redefine automotive landscape and make EVs available to everyone
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Equity Compensation
• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Casual workplace with an unbelievable feeling of energy

Canoo is an equal opportunity-affirmative action employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, past or present military service or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

Any unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles submitted in response to our job posting shall be considered the property of Canoo Inc. and its subsidiaries and are not subject to payment of referral or placement fees if any such candidate is later hired by Canoo unless you have a signed written agreement in place with us which covers the applicable job posting.


Canoo maintains compliance with the OFCCP. As such, please feel free to review the following information:

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Equal Employment Opportunity Posters

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