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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: Stellantis

Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering - Systems Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the integration and system balancing of driveline, axle, and 4WD hardware systems for HD trucks.

• Serve as the crucial liaison between the Chief Engineer group, Product Release Center (PRC), and various Centers of Competence (COEs), manufacturing, suppliers, and validation teams.

• Drive the management of system interfaces, interactions, and component/subsystem dependencies within the driveline and gear reducer systems.

• Oversee the complete lifecycle of hardware system design reviews, ensuring thorough validation planning and robust DFMEA/DRBFM processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within the product development lifecycle, focusing on the intricate systems engineering aspects of heavy-duty truck drivelines. The emphasis on "HD Truck Driveline, Axles and 4WD systems" indicates a specialization in robust, high-torque applications, requiring a strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, system integration, and supplier management within the automotive sector. The "Design Systems Engineer" title, combined with the responsibilities, points towards a critical role in ensuring the cohesive functionality and reliability of complex vehicle powertrains.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and integrate driveline, axle, and 4WD hardware systems, ensuring optimal system balancing and performance.

• Act as the primary interface with individual Centers of Competence (COEs), manufacturing, suppliers, and the Development Validation Center (DVC).

• Schedule and lead hardware system design reviews, meticulously reviewing DRE (Design Release Engineer) design proposals.

• Coordinate reviews with the Virtual Analysis/CAE team, ensuring timely completion of Virtual DVP and Scorecards before prototype hardware orders.

• Lead Transmission and/or Driveline System and Interface DFMEA/DRBFM reviews to foster design transparency and develop cohesive Design Controls for robust DVP actions.

• Manage assembly (BOM) Part# Complexity Charts for all Transmission, Gear Reducer, and Driveline Systems, clearly defining each assembly part number.

• Lead Build Readiness Teams (BRT) for prototype orders, confirming proto hardware orders and procurement to meet program build milestones.

• Coordinate BOM and experimental builds with the Assistant Chief Engineer.

• Lead and manage build readiness tasks, including build fixtures, test fixtures, and dyno support.

• Support the Chief Engineer & Assistant Chief Engineer in defining manpower needs and ER&D/ED&D Cost Roll-ups for Minor/Mid-Cycle Actions and New Programs.

• Review and approve all change notices, ensuring checklists, Lessons Learned, and Engineering Best Practices are updated and aligned.

• Lead Technical Cost Reduction (TCR) / Value Optimization (VO) efforts in alignment with PRC, DVC, and Value Optimization teams.

• Represent the Chief Engineer in managing the program's "lessons learned" document, ensuring timely updates to Technical Specialists for E-BPs.

• Periodically review Transmission and/or driveline system and component "Validation Completion" status with the DVC team and provide updates to the Chief Engineer.

• Coordinate DRBTR reviews, maintain a log of follow-up items, and make decisions on issuing GIMS for identified problems.

• Lead Quality Initiative and GIMS cross-functional task force teams in collaboration with ACE (Assistant Chief Engineer), establishing priorities, action plans, and tracking progress.

• Escalate resource issues as necessary to ensure project continuity.

• Undertake special projects as assigned by leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on engineering role focused on system integration and project management within the complex domain of heavy-duty truck powertrains. The emphasis on DFMEA, DRBFM, DVP, and validation implies a strong requirement for understanding product development processes and risk assessment. The inclusion of BOM management, build readiness, and cost reduction points to a need for strong organizational and financial acumen alongside technical expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) or an equivalent engineering degree is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in engineering.

• A minimum of 5 years of specialized experience in Automotive Engineering and/or Geared Systems.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Transmission and/or Driveline Engineering is preferred. Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of driveline, axle, and 4WD system integration principles.

• Proficiency in managing system interfaces and interactions between complex mechanical components.

• Strong capability in leading and conducting design reviews (e.g., hardware system design reviews, DFMEA, DRBFM).

• Experience with Bill of Materials (BOM) management and complexity analysis.

• Proven ability to manage prototype hardware orders, procurement, and build readiness.

• Familiarity with validation planning processes, including DVP (Design Validation Plan) and scorecard development.

• Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills, with experience interfacing with COEs, manufacturing, suppliers, and validation teams.

• Ability to support cost reduction initiatives (TCR/VO) and understand cost roll-ups.

• Strong understanding of engineering change management processes and best practices. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Stellantis internal engineering systems and processes.

• Experience with Virtual Analysis and CAE tools for system validation.

• Familiarity with GIMS (Global Issue Management System) or similar quality/issue tracking systems.

• Experience in leading cross-functional task force teams for quality initiatives.

• Understanding of the complete automotive product development lifecycle from concept to launch.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are tiered, with a solid foundation in automotive/geared systems and a preference for extensive experience specifically in transmission and driveline engineering, aligning with the "10+ years" AI-derived experience level. The skills list emphasizes a blend of technical system knowledge, process management, and stakeholder engagement critical for a systems engineering role in a large automotive manufacturer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in managing complex system integration projects, particularly in automotive powertrains.

• Showcase examples of successful DFMEA/DRBFM implementation and how they informed design validation and risk mitigation.

• Provide evidence of managing prototype hardware orders, build readiness, and successful prototype execution.

• Include case studies or project summaries that highlight contributions to Technical Cost Reduction (TCR) or Value Optimization (VO) initiatives, quantifying impact where possible.

• Present examples of creating and managing detailed BOM structures and their impact on system complexity. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to defining and documenting system interfaces and interactions between components/subsystems.

• Illustrate your methodology for planning and executing Design Validation Plans (DVP) and managing associated scorecards.

• Showcase experience in developing, reviewing, and approving engineering change notices, ensuring adherence to best practices and lessons learned.

• Describe your process for managing "lessons learned" documentation and ensuring its integration into engineering best practices.

• Explain your approach to leading cross-functional teams for quality initiatives and issue resolution (e.g., GIMS task forces).

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should highlight practical application of systems engineering principles within the automotive driveline context. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating proficiency in risk management (DFMEA/DRBFM), validation planning, and project execution involving hardware integration, supplier collaboration, and cost optimization. The ability to document and improve engineering processes is also a key expectation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Systems Engineers with 10+ years of experience in the automotive sector, located in the Auburn Hills, Michigan area, the estimated annual salary range is $120,000 - $160,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of the role, the high level of experience required, and the cost of living in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering employees and dependents with robust medical networks.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Including 401(k) with company matching contributions to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Extended Leave Policies: Including parental leave and short/long-term disability coverage.

• Employee Vehicle Discount Programs: Access to exclusive discounts on Stellantis vehicles.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and certifications relevant to automotive engineering.

• Life Insurance: Company-provided life insurance coverage.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on employee health and well-being. Working Hours:

Standard full-time work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. While core business hours are expected, flexibility may be available based on project demands and team needs, particularly during critical build phases or review periods. Occasional overtime may be required to meet program milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on the AI-derived experience level (10+ years), the specific engineering domain (heavy-duty truck drivelines), and the location (Auburn Hills, MI), which is a major automotive engineering hub. Benefits are typical for large automotive manufacturers and are tailored to attract and retain experienced engineering talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing. Stellantis is a global automotive group formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group, with a significant presence in North America, particularly through its Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler brands. The company operates in a highly competitive, technologically driven, and capital-intensive industry.

Company Size: Stellantis is a large multinational corporation, employing over 170,000 people globally. This scale implies structured processes, significant resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across numerous departments and geographies.

Founded: Stellantis was officially formed on January 16, 2021. However, its predecessor companies, FCA and PSA, have rich histories in automotive innovation dating back over a century. This legacy influences the company's deep-rooted engineering expertise and commitment to product development.

Team Structure:

• The Design Systems Engineer will likely be part of a larger Engineering department, specifically within the Driveline, Axles, and 4WD systems group, potentially reporting to an Assistant Chief Engineer or Chief Engineer.

• This role involves extensive collaboration with various engineering COEs (e.g., powertrain, chassis, NVH), Product Release Center (PRC), Virtual Analysis/CAE teams, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain/Procurement, and Product Development Validation (DVC).

• The reporting structure is hierarchical, with clear lines of authority and responsibility, but the nature of the role demands strong peer-to-peer collaboration and influence across different functional groups. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are critical, driven by CAE simulations, validation test results, and quality data (e.g., GIMS).

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to managing the product development lifecycle, ensuring timely design reviews, prototype builds, and issue resolution.

• Automation and efficiency practices are increasingly important, particularly in areas like CAE, data management, and process documentation, to accelerate development cycles and reduce costs.

Company Website: https://www.stellantis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a global automotive giant like Stellantis means navigating complex organizational structures and processes. The culture likely balances a strong engineering heritage with a forward-looking approach to electrification, connectivity, and new mobility solutions. For an operations-focused role, understanding how engineering decisions impact manufacturing, supply chain, and product quality is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior engineering level, requiring significant specialized experience (10+ years) in a niche area of automotive engineering. It's a critical contributor role, acting as a subject matter expert and system integrator, rather than a direct management position.

Reporting Structure: The Design Systems Engineer typically reports to an Assistant Chief Engineer or Chief Engineer for the specific Driveline, Axles, and 4WD systems. This structure places them within a specialized technical leadership pathway, with opportunities to influence technical direction and process improvements.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on product development outcomes. By ensuring seamless system integration, robust validation, and effective cost management, the Design Systems Engineer directly contributes to:

• Product Quality and Reliability: Reducing warranty claims and improving customer satisfaction through well-integrated and validated systems.

• Development Speed: Accelerating the product development cycle by efficiently managing design reviews, prototype builds, and issue resolution.

• Cost Efficiency: Driving technical cost reductions and optimizing BOM complexity to meet program financial targets.

• Manufacturing Readiness: Ensuring that designs are manufacturable and that production processes are aligned with engineering specifications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise within HD truck driveline systems, potentially leading to roles like Senior Principal Systems Engineer or Chief Engineer for a specific subsystem.

• Leadership Development: Transition into management roles, leading larger engineering teams or specific programs, by leveraging project management and cross-functional leadership skills.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Move into related areas such as Product Planning, Advanced Engineering, Validation Management, or even Manufacturing Engineering, applying systems thinking across different functions.

• Advanced Technical Roles: Pursue roles in areas like vehicle integration, platform engineering, or advanced powertrain technologies (e.g., electric drivelines).

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Systems Engineer at a company like Stellantis is typically geared towards deep technical expertise and systems-level thinking. Growth often involves increasing responsibility for complex systems, leading technical initiatives, and influencing product strategy, rather than solely focusing on people management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the engineer to work from Stellantis' Auburn Hills, Michigan campus. This environment is characteristic of large automotive R&D centers, featuring dedicated engineering offices, collaborative workspaces, and access to on-site testing and prototyping facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary location is 1000 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, Michigan, 48326, United States. This is a major hub for Stellantis' North American engineering and product development operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with open areas, meeting rooms, and shared resources to facilitate interaction between engineers, designers, and project managers.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to high-performance computing for CAE simulations, advanced CAD/CAM software, PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, and specialized testing equipment within the DVC and prototyping facilities.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, management, and cross-functional teams through scheduled meetings, design reviews, and ad-hoc discussions. The role necessitates being physically present to engage effectively with the engineering and manufacturing teams on the floor or in labs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of product development cycles, especially concerning prototype builds and program milestones, there may be periods requiring extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines. The on-site requirement is essential for direct oversight and immediate problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is crucial. It allows for direct engagement with physical hardware, prototype builds, manufacturing lines, and on-site testing facilities, which are integral to the responsibilities of a Design Systems Engineer in the automotive industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct an initial review of your resume and qualifications to ensure basic requirements are met.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more in-depth interviews with engineering managers and/or senior engineers. These will focus on your technical expertise in driveline systems, system integration, DFMEA/DRBFM, validation processes, and problem-solving methodologies.

• Systems/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session may be held to review your portfolio. This is where you'll present specific projects, emphasizing your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Cross-Functional/Behavioral Interview: An interview may assess your ability to collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and other engineering teams, focusing on communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Chief Engineer or Director, focusing on strategic fit, leadership potential, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific responsibilities, the technical approach, the challenges encountered, the solutions developed, and the outcomes (e.g., performance improvements, cost savings, reduced warranty).

• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your work. For example, "Reduced component weight by 15%," "Improved system efficiency by 5%," or "Decreased prototype build issues by 20%."

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Emphasize how you managed interfaces, system interactions, and dependencies. Show how your decisions impacted the overall system performance and reliability.

• Showcase Process Adherence: Present examples where you successfully applied or improved processes like DFMEA, DVP planning, change management, or lessons learned integration.

• Be Prepared to Discuss Tools: Be ready to talk about the specific engineering software (CAD, CAE, PLM, issue tracking) and hardware you've used.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Prepare to discuss hypothetical engineering challenges related to driveline system integration, component failure analysis, or prototype build issues. Think about how you would approach diagnosing and resolving such problems.

• Process Improvement Scenarios: Be ready to explain how you would improve a specific engineering process, such as design review effectiveness or lessons learned capture.

• Stakeholder Management: Consider how you would handle disagreements with manufacturing on design feasibility or pushback from suppliers on component specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your technical depth in automotive systems engineering and your practical experience in managing complex projects from design through validation and build. A well-prepared portfolio showcasing tangible results and a systematic approach is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD tools such as CATIA (highly likely at Stellantis) for 3D modeling and design of driveline components and assemblies.

• CAE/Simulation Software: Experience with tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran for structural analysis, NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) simulations, and performance modeling of driveline components.

• PLM Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software for managing design data, revisions, change orders, and product configurations. Stellantis likely uses an internal or customized PLM solution.

• DFMEA/DRBFM Tools: Experience with specialized software or structured templates for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Design Review Based on Failure Mode (DRBFM).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially statistical software like Minitab for quality and reliability analysis.

• Visualization Tools: Ability to create clear reports and presentations, often using PowerPoint, to communicate technical findings and recommendations.

• Issue Tracking Systems: Experience with systems like GIMS (Global Issue Management System) or similar platforms for tracking, prioritizing, and resolving engineering issues.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how engineering data feeds into broader enterprise systems is beneficial.

• Internal Stellantis Systems: Knowledge of Stellantis-specific engineering databases, change management systems, and project management tools will be a significant advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily skewed towards specialized engineering design and analysis tools, particularly those prevalent in the automotive industry. Proficiency in CATIA, advanced CAE packages, and robust PLM systems is often a baseline expectation for senior engineering roles at major OEMs like Stellantis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to rigorous design, thorough validation, and data-driven decision-making to ensure product quality and performance.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams (engineering, manufacturing, suppliers) to achieve common goals and resolve complex issues.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies and processes to enhance product capabilities, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for assigned systems and projects, driving them to successful completion and owning the outcomes.

• Customer Focus: Ultimately designing and validating systems that meet customer needs for performance, durability, and reliability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is inherently collaborative, requiring constant interaction with various engineering disciplines, manufacturing, supply chain, and validation teams. Success depends on building strong working relationships and influencing stakeholders.

• Process Review Culture: An environment where design choices, validation plans, and engineering processes are subject to review and feedback from peers and cross-functional partners to ensure robustness.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the capture and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices across teams to prevent recurring issues and accelerate learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Stellantis, particularly within its engineering divisions, is likely to be results-oriented and focused on delivering high-quality automotive products. A strong sense of accountability and a collaborative spirit are essential for navigating the complex development environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• System Complexity: Managing the intricate interactions between numerous components within heavy-duty driveline, axle, and 4WD systems, especially under demanding operating conditions.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and agreement across multiple departments (engineering, manufacturing, suppliers), each with its own priorities and perspectives.

• Balancing Trade-offs: Navigating the inherent trade-offs between performance, cost, durability, weight, and manufacturability to achieve optimal system design.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of advancements in materials, manufacturing processes, and evolving vehicle technologies (e.g., electrification, advanced control systems) that impact driveline design.

• Global Supply Chain Dynamics: Working with a global supplier base, managing potential disruptions, and ensuring consistent quality and delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced driveline technologies, electric powertrains, and sophisticated simulation techniques.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend leading automotive engineering conferences and pursue professional certifications in areas like systems engineering or specific technical domains.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Access to mentorship from senior engineers and leaders within Stellantis, with potential pathways for developing leadership skills and managing larger engineering initiatives or teams.

• Exposure to Diverse Programs: Working on a variety of HD truck platforms and new vehicle programs provides broad exposure to different engineering challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth within a specialized engineering field. The challenges are substantial, demanding strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, but they also provide a fertile ground for professional development and career advancement within the automotive industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to integrate a complex system with multiple interfaces. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful integration?" (Focus on your systematic approach, communication, and problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing and managing a DFMEA/DRBFM for a critical powertrain component. How did it influence your design and validation decisions?" (Highlight your risk assessment methodology and its practical application.)

• "How do you prioritize conflicting requirements from different stakeholders (e.g., performance vs. cost, engineering vs. manufacturing)?" (Demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to find optimal solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Stellantis' current product portfolio, particularly in the HD truck segment, and what excites you about working on these systems?" (Show research and genuine interest.)

• "Describe your experience working within a large, matrixed organization. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication across different departments?" (Focus on your adaptability and interpersonal skills.)

• "How do you approach capturing and implementing 'lessons learned' from previous projects to improve current designs or processes?" (Illustrate your commitment to continuous improvement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your systems engineering expertise, integration skills, and impact on driveline, axle, or 4WD systems.

• Tell a Story: For each project, structure your presentation with a clear narrative: the problem/goal, your role and responsibilities, the technical approach/solution, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Emphasize System Interaction: Clearly articulate how your work on specific components or subsystems influenced or was influenced by other parts of the overall vehicle system.

• Demonstrate Process Proficiency: Show how you applied methodologies like DFMEA, DVP, or change management.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your chosen projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of automotive systems engineering, proven problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills. A strong portfolio that quantifies impact and showcases systematic approaches to design and validation will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Systems Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Stellantis careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with driveline, axle, and 4WD systems, automotive engineering, system integration, DFMEA/DRBFM, and prototype management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that exemplify your systems engineering capabilities, focusing on quantifiable achievements and clear process documentation. Be ready to present these concisely.

• Research Stellantis: Familiarize yourself with Stellantis' HD truck offerings, engineering philosophy, and recent company news to demonstrate your interest and understanding of their business context.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, focusing on STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and detailed technical explanations for engineering challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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