Sr. Hardware Technician, Powertrain Quality
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Sr. Hardware Technician, Powertrain Quality
- Company: Lucid Motors
- Location: Newark, CA
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Hardware Technician, Quality Assurance
- Date Posted: June 4, 2025
- Experience Level: 5-10 years
🚀 Role Summary
- Key Responsibilities: Perform teardown and root cause analysis of powertrain components, collaborate cross-functionally to resolve quality issues, and contribute to continuous improvement in powertrain systems.
- Key Skills: Mechanical aptitude, root cause analysis, technical drawings, electric powertrain systems, inspection tools, documentation, and communication skills.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on hardware quality assurance within the powertrain systems of electric vehicles, requiring a strong technical background and problem-solving skills.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
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Powertrain Component Teardown & Analysis:
- Perform teardown and detailed root cause analysis of returned or failed powertrain components (e.g., drive units, inverters, gearboxes, HV cables, battery packs, etc.).
- Document findings in clear, data-driven reports including photos, failure modes, and conclusions.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with service, manufacturing, design engineering, and supplier teams to communicate root causes and contribute to corrective action plans.
- Support containment and countermeasure validation activities through testing, inspection, and re-creation of failure modes.
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Data Analysis & Trend Identification:
- Analyze service data and warranty returns to prioritize issues and identify recurring trends.
- Contribute to field fix validation plans and monitor the effectiveness of implemented countermeasures.
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Process Improvement & Documentation:
- Assist in developing standard operating procedures for teardown and inspection processes.
- Maintain a clean and organized lab workspace and ensure traceability of components under investigation.
📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities of this role require a strong technical background and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work effectively with various teams to resolve quality issues.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Associate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Technology preferred OR equivalent hands-on experience in powertrain systems.
- High School Diploma or GED.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in teardown, diagnostics, or quality-related roles in automotive, aerospace, or similar industries.
Required Skills:
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to disassemble complex components with care and precision.
- Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and service manuals.
- Solid understanding of electric powertrain systems including motors, inverters, HV battery systems, and driveline components.
- Experience using inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, multimeters, etc.) and root cause analysis methods (5-Why, Fishbone, etc.).
- Excellent documentation and communication skills – both written and verbal.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple investigations concurrently.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in an EV or automotive OEM environment.
- Familiarity with quality management systems (8D, PFMEA, Control Plans).
- Knowledge of vehicle diagnostics tools and CAN bus communication.
- Previous experience with warranty data analysis or field failure trending.
- Proficiency in using PLM or defect tracking systems (e.g., Jira).
- Hands-on experience with HV safety procedures and certification (preferred but not required).
📝 Enhancement Note: The required and preferred qualifications for this role emphasize a strong technical background in powertrain systems and quality assurance processes, as well as the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
📊 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- The compensation range for this position is $39 - $54 USD per hour, taking into account various factors such as job-related knowledge, skillset, experience, education, and training.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation, and 401k.
- Equity Program and Discretionary Annual Incentive Program, subject to rules governing such programs.
Working Hours:
- Full-time position with standard working hours, including occasional travel to service centers or supplier sites for on-site investigations or field campaigns.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits for this role are competitive and in line with industry standards for experienced hardware technicians in the automotive and EV industries.
🎯 Team & Company Context
Company Culture:
- Lucid Motors is a cutting-edge electric vehicle manufacturer focused on creating captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence.
- The company values innovation, sustainability, and a customer-centric approach, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Team Structure:
- The Powertrain Quality team works closely with various departments, including service, manufacturing, design engineering, and supplier teams, to ensure the quality and reliability of powertrain components.
- The team is responsible for deep-dive failure investigations, root cause analysis, and contributing to corrective action plans to improve powertrain system quality.
Development Methodology:
- Lucid Motors employs a structured approach to quality management, utilizing methods such as 8D, PFMEA, and Control Plans to identify, analyze, and resolve quality issues.
- The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to contribute to process enhancements and innovation.
Company Website: Lucid Motors
📝 Enhancement Note: Lucid Motors' focus on luxury electric vehicles and commitment to quality and innovation create an exciting and dynamic work environment for hardware technicians in the powertrain quality domain.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Hardware Technician Career Level:
- This role is an experienced-level position within the hardware technician career path, focusing on powertrain quality and continuous improvement.
- The primary responsibilities involve performing teardown and root cause analysis, collaborating cross-functionally, and contributing to corrective action plans to enhance powertrain system quality.
Reporting Structure:
- The Sr. Hardware Technician reports directly to the Powertrain Quality Manager and works closely with various teams, including service, manufacturing, design engineering, and supplier teams.
Technical Impact:
- The technical impact of this role is significant, as the work directly influences the quality, reliability, and performance of powertrain components in electric vehicles.
- The findings and recommendations from root cause analyses contribute to the improvement of powertrain systems, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Expand knowledge of electric powertrain systems, quality management processes, and emerging technologies in the EV industry.
- Leadership & Mentoring: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and contributing to process improvements and training initiatives.
- Career Progression: Pursue opportunities in specialized roles, team leadership, or management positions within the Powertrain Quality or broader EV industry.
📝 Enhancement Note: The career growth opportunities for a Sr. Hardware Technician at Lucid Motors are focused on technical skill development, leadership, and career progression within the EV industry.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type:
- Lucid Motors' Newark, CA campus features a modern, collaborative work environment designed to foster innovation and creativity.
- The Powertrain Quality lab is equipped with specialized tools and resources to support teardown, analysis, and testing activities.
Office Location(s):
- Newark, CA
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Workspace: The Powertrain Quality team works closely with various departments, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Specialized Tools & Equipment: The lab is equipped with inspection tools, testing equipment, and other resources necessary for teardown, analysis, and root cause determination.
- Clean & Organized Workspace: Maintaining a clean and organized workspace is essential to ensure the traceability of components under investigation and to support efficient workflows.
Work Schedule:
- Standard full-time working hours, including occasional travel to service centers or supplier sites for on-site investigations or field campaigns.
- Flexibility to manage multiple investigations concurrently and meet project deadlines.
📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at Lucid Motors offers a collaborative, innovative, and dynamic setting for hardware technicians focused on powertrain quality and continuous improvement.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Resume Screening: Initial review of resumes and application materials to assess relevant experience and qualifications.
- Phone or Video Screen: A brief conversation to discuss the role, qualifications, and cultural fit.
- On-Site Interview: A comprehensive on-site interview, including a tour of the Powertrain Quality lab, meetings with team members, and a hands-on assessment of teardown and analysis skills.
- Final Review: A final review of top candidates by the hiring manager and key stakeholders.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Demonstrate Relevant Experience: Highlight previous experience in teardown, diagnostics, or quality-related roles, emphasizing the application of relevant skills and methodologies.
- Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples of successful root cause analyses and corrective action plans implemented in previous roles.
- Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss technical aspects of electric powertrain systems, inspection tools, and root cause analysis methods.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush Up on Technical Skills: Review and refresh knowledge of electric powertrain systems, inspection tools, and root cause analysis methods.
- Practice Teardown & Analysis: Familiarize yourself with the teardown and analysis process, using relevant tools and equipment to gain hands-on experience.
- Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration: Develop examples of successful cross-functional collaboration in previous roles, demonstrating your ability to work effectively with various teams.
📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for the Sr. Hardware Technician role at Lucid Motors emphasizes technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
🛠 Technology Stack & Powertrain Systems
Powertrain Systems:
- Electric powertrain systems, including motors, inverters, HV battery systems, and driveline components.
- Familiarity with electric vehicle architecture, powertrain integration, and system-level interactions.
Inspection Tools:
- Calipers, micrometers, multimeters, and other measurement tools for dimensional and electrical analysis.
- Specialized tools for teardown, disassembly, and component inspection.
Root Cause Analysis Methods:
- 5-Why, Fishbone, and other root cause analysis methods for identifying and resolving quality issues.
- Quality management systems, including 8D, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with electric powertrain systems, inspection tools, and root cause analysis methods is essential for success in the Sr. Hardware Technician role at Lucid Motors.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Powertrain Quality Values:
- Quality Focus: A relentless commitment to quality, ensuring the reliability and performance of powertrain components.
- Continuous Improvement: A culture of continuous learning and improvement, driving innovation and excellence in powertrain systems.
- Collaboration: Cross-functional collaboration with various teams, fostering knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.
- Customer Centricity: A customer-focused approach, prioritizing the needs and expectations of electric vehicle owners.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with service, manufacturing, design engineering, and supplier teams to communicate root causes, contribute to corrective action plans, and enhance powertrain system quality.
- Knowledge Sharing: Regular team meetings, workshops, and training sessions to share best practices, learn from one another, and drive continuous improvement.
- Mentoring & Development: Opportunities for mentoring junior team members, contributing to their professional growth and development.
📝 Enhancement Note: The Powertrain Quality team at Lucid Motors fosters a collaborative, customer-centric, and continuously improving work environment, focused on delivering high-quality electric vehicle powertrain systems.
📈 Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Root Cause Analysis: Identifying and resolving complex root causes for powertrain component failures, requiring strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
- System-Level Interactions: Understanding and addressing the impact of powertrain component failures on the broader electric vehicle system, requiring a comprehensive understanding of EV architecture and system-level interactions.
- Emerging Technologies: Staying current with emerging technologies in the EV industry, including new powertrain components, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Expand knowledge of electric powertrain systems, quality management processes, and emerging technologies in the EV industry through training, workshops, and on-the-job learning.
- Leadership & Mentoring: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior team members, contributing to process improvements, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Career Progression: Pursue opportunities in specialized roles, team leadership, or management positions within the Powertrain Quality or broader EV industry.
📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and growth opportunities for a Sr. Hardware Technician at Lucid Motors are focused on continuous learning, leadership development, and career progression within the EV industry.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Powertrain Systems: In-depth questions about electric powertrain systems, components, and their interactions within the broader electric vehicle architecture.
- Root Cause Analysis: Scenarios and case studies requiring the application of root cause analysis methods to identify and resolve complex quality issues.
- Problem-Solving: Real-world problems and case studies that test your ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop effective solutions.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Culture: Questions about Lucid Motors' culture, values, and work environment, assessing your fit within the organization.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Scenarios and questions that evaluate your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, communicate root causes, and contribute to corrective action plans.
- Customer Focus: Questions that explore your understanding of electric vehicle owners' needs, expectations, and the importance of quality and reliability in their driving experience.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Demonstrate Relevant Experience: Highlight previous experience in teardown, diagnostics, or quality-related roles, emphasizing the application of relevant skills and methodologies.
- Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples of successful root cause analyses and corrective action plans implemented in previous roles.
- Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss technical aspects of electric powertrain systems, inspection tools, and root cause analysis methods.
📝 Enhancement Note: Effective interview preparation for the Sr. Hardware Technician role at Lucid Motors involves a deep understanding of electric powertrain systems, root cause analysis methods, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for the Sr. Hardware Technician, Powertrain Quality position at Lucid Motors:
- Submit Your Application: Visit the Lucid Motors careers page and search for the "Sr. Hardware Technician, Powertrain Quality" role. Click on the job title and follow the instructions to submit your application.
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience in teardown, diagnostics, or quality-related roles, emphasizing your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cross-functional collaboration experience.
- Prepare for Technical Interview: Review and refresh your knowledge of electric powertrain systems, inspection tools, and root cause analysis methods. Practice teardown and analysis processes using relevant tools and equipment.
- Research Lucid Motors: Familiarize yourself with Lucid Motors' mission, values, and culture. Understand the company's focus on luxury electric vehicles, quality, and innovation.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Lucid Motors before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have an associate degree in a relevant field or equivalent hands-on experience, along with a minimum of 5 years in quality-related roles. Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency in interpreting technical documents are essential.