Design Systems Engineer - HD Truck Driveline, Axles and 4WD systems

The Senior Design Systems Engineer serves as the primary technical integrator and systems owner for axle, driveline, transfer case, gear reducer, and 4WD systems throughout the product development lifecycle. Acting as the key interface between the Chief Engineer organization, Product Release Center (PRC), Development Validation Center (DVC), manufacturing, suppliers, and component engineering teams, this role ensures all vehicle, subsystem, software, manufacturing, and supplier interfaces function as a cohesive and optimized system.The position is responsible for driving system architecture, interface management, vehicle integration, manufacturability, technical risk mitigation, validation planning, change management, prototype build readiness, quality initiatives, and cost optimization from concept through production launch and continuous improvement.Primary ResponsibilitiesSystems Architecture & Product IntegrationOwn system-level definition, integration, and balancing of:Front and rear axle systemsDrivelines and prop shaftsTransfer casesGear reducers4WD functional softwareVehicle interfaces and supporting subsystemsEnsure technical alignment and integration across:AxlesSuspension systemsSteering systemsBrake systemsFrame and chassis systemsPowertrain interfacesCalibration teamsManufacturing organizationsSuppliersValidation organizationsTranslate vehicle-level requirements into subsystem and component-level design requirements.Maintain consistency of engineering assumptions, requirements, interface definitions, and design intent across all supporting organizations.Lead system integration reviews and technical assessments to ensure robust vehicle performance, durability, manufacturability, NVH, serviceability, and quality objectives are achieved.Interface Management & Packaging LeadershipServe as the technical owner for all critical system interfaces, including but not limited to:Transmission-to-driveline interfacesAxle-to-frame interfacesDriveshaft and transfer case interfacesSuspension attachment pointsChassis systemsVehicle hardpoints and surrounding systemsResponsibilities include:Interface definition and controlPackaging validationFunctional clearance verificationTolerance stack-up assessmentManufacturing compatibility reviewsAssembly feasibility assessmentsServiceability evaluationsDesign release recommendationsDuty cycle definition and verificationDamage and failure mode analysisLead vehicle packaging reviews and identify interface conflicts early in the development process.Evaluate impacts of component movement, geometry changes, and architecture decisions on surrounding vehicle systems.Drive technical resolution of integration, packaging, and interface concerns across multiple organizations.Virtual Development & Systems ValidationSchedule and lead cross-functional design reviews across PRC and supporting engineering organizations.Coordinate virtual analysis activities and CAE reviews.Ensure Virtual DVP and Engineering Scorecards are completed prior to prototype hardware releases.Lead FC/CAD integration activities and digital mockup reviews.Coordinate digital validation of component and subsystem interfaces.Support engineering release readiness through design assessments and model reviews.Develop and maintain system-level requirements within virtual development environments.Review system validation status with the Development Validation Center and provide periodic readiness assessments to Chief Engineering leadership.Ensure validation plans, design verification activities, and technical signoffs support robust product development.Technical Risk Management & Quality LeadershipIdentify system architecture, integration, packaging, structural, manufacturing, and validation risks.Lead root cause investigations and technical problem-solving activities.Establish mitigation plans and drive technical closure of issues.Coordinate Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Design Review Based on Failure Mode (DRBFM) activities.Ensure robust design controls and development actions are established and maintained.Lead cross-functional quality and issue-resolution task forces.Manage GIMS investigations and technical issue tracking.Coordinate DRBTR reviews and maintain accountability for open actions and follow-up items.Recommend escalation paths and resource requirements to ensure program success.Product Development, Change Management & GovernanceReview and approve engineering change notices and design modifications.Ensure lessons learned, engineering checklists, technical standards, and engineering best practices are updated and incorporated into future designs.Act as the Chief Engineer's representative for program lessons learned activities.Collaborate with Technical Specialists and Centers of Excellence to continuously improve technical standards and design practices.Manage engineering complexity and assembly part number strategies.Maintain BOM structures and complexity charts for axle, driveline, transfer case, and gear reducer systems.Coordinate engineering release readiness and design freeze activities.Cost Optimization & Program SupportLead Technical Cost Reduction (TCR) and Value Optimization initiatives.Work closely with PRC, DVC, suppliers, purchasing, and value optimization teams to identify cost-saving opportunities.Support Chief Engineering leadership with:Resource planningManpower forecastingEngineering budgetsER&D / ED&D cost rollupsNew program planningSupport business case development and program execution strategies.Cross-Functional Leadership & Supplier ManagementServe as the primary systems engineering interface between:Chief Engineering, Product Release Center, Manufacturing, Suppliers, Validation organizations, Vehicle engineering teamsFacilitate technical consensus and decision-making across organizations.Challenge design assumptions where necessary to ensure optimal technical outcomes.Lead supplier technical reviews and integration discussions.Drive accountability, execution, and alignment across all stakeholders.Work on special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.Required Technical ExpertiseVehicle SystemsBeam axle systemsIndependent axle systemsDriveline systemsTransfer casesProp shaftsChassis systemsSuspension systemsSteering systemsBrake systemsVehicle dynamics fundamentals4WD/AWD systemsProduct Development Tools & ProcessesCAD and Digital Mockup ReviewsFC/CAD IntegrationVirtual Development ProcessesEngineering Change ManagementBOM ManagementInterface Control DocumentationDesign Freeze ProcessesValidation Planning and ExecutionnCode AnalysisDuty Cycle DevelopmentData Acquisition and SynthesisProgram Launch ReadinessGIMS and Quality Management ProcessesCritical CompetenciesTechnical LeadershipSystem-level thinkingArchitecture development and decision makingComplex problem solvingCross-functional integration leadershipTechnical trade-off analysisRisk identification and mitigationInfluence & CommunicationAbility to challenge technical assumptions constructivelyFacilitate engineering consensusLead technical reviews and decision forumsTranslate vehicle-level requirements into actionable engineering deliverablesDrive supplier and stakeholder alignmentExecution & AccountabilityStrong ownership mindsetHigh attention to technical detailAbility to manage multiple complex technical issues simultaneouslyProactive issue identification and escalationCommitment to program timing, deliverables, and quality objectivesAbility to lead teams through ambiguity and drive closure of critical actionsSummaryThe Senior Design Systems Engineer is the technical owner and integrator for axle, driveline, transfer case, gear reducer, and 4WD systems. The role bridges component engineering, vehicle engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and validation organizations to ensure all interfaces function together as a robust, manufacturable, cost-effective, and high-quality system. This position provides technical leadership from concept through launch by driving architecture decisions, integration, validation, risk management, quality initiatives, manufacturability, and program execution while supporting Chief Engineering objectives across all phases of vehicle development.Basic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree fieldA minimum of 8 years of relevant experience including a minimum of 5 years of experience in Automotive Engineering and/or Geared SystemsPreferred Qualifications:MSME or equivalent engineering degreeA minimum of 10 years of experience in Transmission and/or Driveline EngineeringKnowledge of Stellantis engineering systemsBrand: FCA GroupJob ID: 2018464Employment Type: Full-timeJob Area: EngineeringPosted Date: 29/07/2026