Director of Powertrain Systems Engineering

Join the Revolution at Zero Motorcycles!

There's the cushy comfort of the mundane; then, there's the thrill of pioneering work. Being here is the latter.

It started with our first Zero S, shipped in 2010 – a bold step into the future of electric mobility. Since then, we've been at the forefront of the electric vehicle movement, delivering award-winning motorcycles and electrifying sport and utility vehicles for leading OEMs. With cutting-edge technology and relentless craftsmanship, we push the boundaries of performance and sustainability, making every ride more thrilling and the world a little more sustainable.

We've only scratched the surface. Join us in leading the revolution of electric mobility.

Director of Powertrain Systems Engineering

Our Purpose

We create innovative, electrified technology that inspires, adapts to evolving needs, and improves user experience. We aim to make a lasting positive impact on people, the planet, and our ecosystem—while cultivating a joyful, purpose-driven workplace where everyone can thrive and grow.

Our Principles

Self-Management: We take ownership, seek input, learn continuously, and hold ourselves accountable.

Evolutionary Purpose: We stay user-centered and responsive, adapting with the needs of our team, customers, and the world.

Authenticity: We bring our whole selves to work, building trust through empathy, inclusion, and open communication.

Position Summary

Zero Motorcycles is seeking an exceptional Director of Powertrain Systems Engineering to lead our electrical systems organization and drive the development of complete EV powertrain solutions from concept to production. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise, managing a distributed team across the US and India while serving as both a technical contributor and organizational leader.

You will own the design, development, and integration of all powertrain hardware components including motor controllers/inverters, battery management systems, DC-DC converters, onboard chargers, high voltage systems, and thermal management. Working closely with internal departments and external partners in India and China, you will balance technical excellence with business objectives, meeting Quality, Cost, and Timing targets while building and mentoring a world-class engineering team.

We prize self-management and seek individuals who are passionate about shaping our purpose and product direction. Team members are empowered to guide us toward the right path, bringing their whole selves to work while staying user-centered and responsive to evolving needs.

What You Will Do

Leadership & Team Management:

• Build, lead, and mentor a distributed engineering team of 2-3 engineers in Scotts Valley and 2-3 engineers in India

• Recruit, hire, and develop an India-based engineering team manager who will report directly to you

• Manage team performance, conduct reviews, and create growth opportunities for all team members

• Foster effective remote collaboration practices and build cohesive teams across time zones and cultures

• Own budgets, resource allocation, and strategic planning for the powertrain systems organization

• Establish a culture of self-management, continuous learning, and accountability aligned with company principles

Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Contribute to company strategy and business planning from a systems engineering perspective

• Provide technical and programmatic updates to executive leadership on engineering progress and challenges

• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and other departments

• Define product roadmaps and make strategic technology selection and make/buy decisions

• Drive long-term architecture planning for powertrain systems evolution

Technical Leadership & Execution:

• Own the design, development, and integration of all EV powertrain hardware components:

  • Motor controllers and inverters

  • Battery Management Systems (BMS)

  • DC-DC converters

  • Onboard chargers

  • High voltage wiring, connectors, and distribution systems

  • Thermal management systems

• Work hands-on with the team as an individual contributor on critical technical challenges

• Develop requirements, specifications, and system architectures using automotive industry development tools

• Lead Design Reviews and conduct peer reviews of designs, features, and specifications

• Apply test-driven development methodologies to meet project performance requirements

• Provide exceptional troubleshooting and problem-solving for complex integrated systems

Partner & Supplier Management:

• Manage relationships with component vendors, contract manufacturers, and development partners

• Work closely with partners in India and China to qualify parts and meet system architecture needs

• Oversee supplier qualification, joint development partnerships, and contract manufacturing

• Coordinate with external resources to accomplish team goals and project deliverables

• Balance priorities to deliver design-qualified and manufactured products on program schedules

Technical Execution:

• Plan and track development activities using MS Project or similar tools

• Communicate requirements clearly for software/firmware features supporting component integration

• Conduct hands-on debug and bring-up of complex electrical systems

• Provide production-release support and resolve manufacturing issues

• Maintain process-oriented design, test, and documentation practices

What You Will Bring

Required Qualifications:

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar area (or equivalent experience)

• 10-12+ years of experience designing and producing electrical systems for Electric Vehicles

• Demonstrated experience with multiple EV powertrain components (motor controllers, BMS, DC-DC converters, onboard chargers, HV systems, thermal management)

• Hands-on experience with embedded systems debug, bring-up, and integration

• Strong technical background with both digital and analog circuits and PCBA design

• Experience using Automotive development processes and tools

• Proven ability to work as both a technical contributor and strategic leader

• Exceptional troubleshooting and problem-solving ability with complex integrated systems

• Experience managing across time zones, cultures, and distributed teams (or strong desire to develop this skill)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior people management experience (we will train the right technical candidate)

• Experience hiring and developing engineering teams

• Track record of contributing to business strategy and product roadmaps

• Experience with joint development partnerships and supplier management

• Background in system-level integration and architecture

Core Competencies:

• Proficiency using lab equipment (Power supplies, Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, etc.)

• Process-oriented design, test, and documentation practice

• Strong documentation and technical writing skills with attention to detail

• Excellent communication and presentation skills for both technical and executive audiences

• Ability to mentor and develop engineering talent

• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on technical execution

• Self-management orientation with ownership mindset

• Empathy, inclusion, and authentic communication style aligned with company values

US Work Authorization: Selected candidate must be authorized to work for any US company, without current or future need of sponsorship for US work authorization. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship for any work visa.

Location

Our culture is best experienced in person and this role is an onsite position, so the selected candidate will work in the Scotts Valley office — just a short drive from Santa Cruz beaches and Silicon Valley.

Travel Frequency: Travel for this role will be 15-25%, including domestic and international travel to India, China, and supplier locations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate in real-time with internal and external partners

• Ability to navigate a lab environment

• Ability to occasionally lift 30 pounds

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We believe diversity is our strength, and inclusion is our foundation. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building a workplace where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or background—can thrive. We celebrate individuality, amplify diverse voices, and strive to foster an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to do their best work. Together, we're shaping a future that works for all.

Compensation & Benefits

The estimated salary range for a new hire in this position is $170,000 to $210,000. Actual salary may vary depending on job-related factors, which may include candidate's knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to regular salary, Zero offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) matching plan.