Heavy Engine Design Engineer

Senior Heavy Engine Design Engineer

Location: Auburn Hills, MI

Type: Contract-to-Direct Hire

Pay: $50–$60/hour

Benefits: Full benefits available during contract

This role is open ONLY to US Citizens or Green Card as all candidates must be eligible for ITAR Compliance (ITAR compliance for this role requires US Citizenship or Green Card). Candidates who are TN visa holders, H1B or F1 (OPT/CPT) candidates are NOT permitted in this role. This role is NOT open to corp2corp (C2C) or corp2hire (C2H).

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior Heavy Engine Design Engineer to lead the design, development, validation, and production release of internal combustion and hybrid powertrain components. This role is responsible for delivering robust designs that meet performance, durability, manufacturability, quality, and cost targets while supporting programs from concept through launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop engine components including blocks, heads, valvetrain, crank train, lubrication, cooling, mounts, and accessory systems
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, and drawings
• Develop GD&T strategies and perform tolerance analysis
• Conduct design trade studies considering performance, packaging, NVH, durability, and cost
• Utilize FEA/CFD results to optimize designs and resolve engineering challenges
• Define and support validation testing including durability, thermal, vibration, and sealing evaluations
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions
• Support prototype builds, plant trials, and field issue resolution
• Manage engineering changes, BOMs, and configuration control
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in technical reviews

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master's preferred)
• 5+ years of heavy engine or powertrain design experience
• Experience with global large vehicle OEMs (such as agriculture or trucking)
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as CATIA, NX, Creo, or SolidWorks
• Experience taking products from concept through production release
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, GD&T, DFMEA/PFMEA, and mechanical design principles
• Experience with engineering change management and BOM control
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to support defense and export-controlled programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in industrial engines (marine, rail, power generation)
• Familiarity with PLM systems, CAE tools, APQP/PPAP, and supplier development

Join a team developing next-generation propulsion systems and play a key role in bringing innovative engine technologies from concept to production.