Design Engineer – Electrified Powertrain

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Position Type: Contract Opportunity

Contract Duration: Six months with the possibility of extension

Pay Rate: $48.00–$52.00 per hour

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits begin on Day 1

Additional Benefits: Paid time off and paid holidays

Position Overview

• Reliance One, Inc. is hiring an experienced Design Engineer for one of our established automotive clients in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• The Design Engineer will support the development of electric motors for hybrid and electric transaxles, as well as the integration of electrified drive units into North American vehicle programs. This position will work with domestic and international engineering teams, component suppliers, raw-material suppliers, Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing to develop competitive products for local production.
• The ideal Design Engineer has a strong mechanical or electrical engineering foundation, experience with CAD and CAE tools, and the ability to create and modify designs throughout development, validation, and production launch.

Key Responsibilities

Electrified Powertrain Design

• Create and modify hybrid and electric motor components and subassemblies.
• Ensure component designs meet performance, safety, quality, cost, manufacturing, and timing requirements.
• Integrate electrified drive units into vehicle and off-vehicle designs.
• Develop products that prioritize safety, customer appeal, competitiveness, manufacturability, and on-time delivery.
• Adjust product designs to align with the capabilities, processes, materials, and engineering innovations of local suppliers.
• Support electric motor and electrified transaxle development for locally produced vehicle applications.

Engineering Documentation

• Develop and release engineering specifications.
• Create and modify 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings.
• Prepare technical reports, assembly instructions, and other design documentation.
• Read, interpret, and revise component and assembly drawings.
• Maintain accurate engineering records throughout the product-development lifecycle.
• Apply DRBFM and DFMEA methodologies during design and development activities.

Product Development and Launch

• Coordinate development activities from initial design through validation and production launch.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve technical design and integration issues.
• Support component evaluation, vehicle testing, manufacturing trials, and production-readiness activities.
• Participate in design reviews and engineering problem-solving meetings.
• Provide weekly project updates to management.
• Participate in Obeya meetings and other cross-functional project reviews.
• Track project risks, open issues, milestones, and corrective actions.

Supplier and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with domestic and international design engineers on motor components and assembly designs.
• Collaborate with component suppliers and raw-material suppliers.
• Communicate technical requirements clearly to suppliers, engineering teams, and affiliated organizations.
• Work with Quality, Manufacturing, and Purchasing teams to identify and resolve product-development issues.
• Participate in design, evaluation, manufacturing, and benchmarking activities domestically and internationally as required.
• Operate effectively within a fast-paced, multicultural engineering environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience using CAD and CAE tools.
• Ability to read, interpret, create, and modify engineering drawings.
• Working knowledge of DRBFM and DFMEA.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers, affiliates, and international engineering teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Electrified transaxle or electric motor design experience.
• Automotive OEM or supplier experience.
• Component-to-vehicle integration experience.
• Relevant co-op or internship experience involving electrified powertrain systems.
• Design knowledge involving magnets, coils, electrical steels, or similar materials.
• Experience working with Quality, Manufacturing, or Purchasing teams.
• Experience supporting automotive component validation and production launches.

Apply today to be considered for this Design Engineer opportunity in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Statement

Reliance One, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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