Transmission Structures and Fastened Joints Senior Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Design Release Engineer to join our Powertrain Engineering team. The role focuses on the development and release of critical structural components for an automatic transmission system and electrical motor gear reducer housing with a strong technical emphasis on fasteners and fastened joint integrity. The ideal candidate will have deep technical knowledge in joint design and structural analysis of transmission and electric machine housings, combined with practical experience in die cast components such as transmission housings.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the design, release, and validation of structural transmission components (transmission housings, 4WD Adapters, Oil Pans, Electric Machine Housings) from concept through production.
• Serve as the subject matter expert in fastener selection, joint design, and bolted joint performance, including preload analysis, torque control, and clamp load retention.
• Design and validate sealed and fastened joints in die cast aluminum housings under thermal and dynamic loads typical of powertrain environments.
• Apply structural FEA (linear, nonlinear, and fatigue) to validate joint durability, stiffness, and optimize component designs.
• Ensure designs meet engineering best practices performance, NVH, and durability targets through analytical and physical validation.
• Interface with suppliers, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure robust, cost-effective, and manufacturable designs.
• Drive DFMEA activities, DVP&R plans, and lead design reviews with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Participate in warranty/cost reduction meetings and develop solutions for warranty solutions
• Conduct root cause analysis of transmission failures and identify the root cause/s
• Develop tools, test procedures, and acceptance criteria for structural and fastened joint components
• Lead technical infrastructure for structural and fastened components including specifications, requirements definitions, and drawing signoffs.
• Coaching, training and mentoring less experienced engineers

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree field
• A minimum of 5 years design/release engineer experience in propulsion systems, automatic transmissions, or related field
• Expert-level knowledge of fasteners, bolted joints, and joint mechanics, including material compatibility, surface treatments, and long-term performance under vibration and thermal cycling.
• Strong design background in large aluminum high pressure die castings (case, bell housings) with focus on structural performance, dimensional control, flow analysis and solidification models, and manufacturability to ensure FTQ (first time quality) target is achieved.
• Experience with seals and sealing components for housings, particularly in dynamic and pressurized environments.
• Proficiency in structural FEA, including setup, interpretation, and design optimization based on simulation results.
• Greenbelt or Blackbelt DFSS certification.
• Strong interpersonal communication and team leadership skills. Comfortable with presenting to executive leadership team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree in Engineering