Design Systems Engineer - HD Truck Driveline, Axles WD systems

Position: 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 Responsibilities Systems Architecture & Product Integration Own system-level definition, integration, and balancing of:

Front and rear axle systems

Drivelines and prop shafts

Transfer cases

Gear reducers4WD functional software

Vehicle interfaces and supporting subsystems

Ensure technical alignment and integration across:

Axles Suspension systems

Steering systems

Brake systems

Frame and chassis systems

Powertrain interfaces

Calibration teams

Manufacturing organizations

Suppliers

Validation organizations

Translate 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 Leadership Serve as the technical owner for all critical system interfaces, including but not limited to:

Transmission-to-driveline interfaces

Axle-to-frame interfaces

Driveshaft and transfer case interfaces

Suspension attachment points

Chassis systems

Vehicle hard points and surrounding systems

Responsibilities include:

Interface definition and control

Packaging validation

Functional clearance verification

Tolerance stack-up assessment

Manufacturing compatibility reviews

Assembly feasibility assessments

Serviceability evaluations

Design release recommendations

Duty cycle definition and verification

Damage and failure mode analysis

Lead 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 Validation Schedule 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 Leadership Identify 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 & Governance Review and approve engineering change notices and design…