Principal AME Equipment Engineer, Powertrain

Principal Ame Equipment Engineer, Powertrain

Be the technical lead driving EV powertrain manufacturing from concept through high-volume production.

The Principal AME Equipment Engineer, Powertrain will provide strategic leadership for the design, deployment, and optimization of advanced manufacturing equipment for electric vehicle powertrain lines. This role owns the full equipment lifecycle, from concept and specification through installation, ramp-up, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on high-precision automation, quality, and safety. The position requires deep technical expertise in Electric Drive Unit and drivetrain assembly, as well as proven experience leading large-scale, highly automated manufacturing projects in a high-volume environment.

Responsibilities include defining and implementing the long-term process and equipment strategy for EV powertrain manufacturing lines, leading the complete equipment lifecycle from concept definition, SOR and specification development, vendor selection, detailed design review, FAT and SAT execution, through installation, commissioning, production ramp-up, and ongoing continuous improvement. Plan and lead new powertrain assembly line setups, ensuring seamless integration of automation cells, heavy material handling systems, and supporting equipment into existing and new manufacturing environments.

Serve as the technical subject matter expert for all powertrain equipment, applying deep knowledge of high-precision automation, servo and torque control fastening, process control methods such as force and displacement monitoring, and quality inspection systems including NDT, metrology, and gear inspection. Drive Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly initiatives with powertrain product engineering teams to optimize EDU and chassis component designs for automated assembly, reducing complexity and maximizing process capability in critical mechanical and electrical processes.

Partner with Tier 1 equipment suppliers, leading complex technical discussions, negotiating precise equipment specifications, and ensuring on-time delivery while meeting quality, performance, and cost targets. Lead process optimization and validation activities to improve equipment performance, OEE, yield, and cycle time using statistical process control, design of experiments, root cause analysis, PFMEA, and control plans. Collaborate closely with Product Design, Quality, Controls, and Operations teams to ensure successful project execution and smooth integration of new equipment into production, with particular focus on the marriage of the EDU with the chassis structure.

Apply structured problem-solving and rigorous data analysis to identify issues, implement robust corrective actions, and sustain improvements in equipment and process performance. Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and leadership across cross-functional teams to promote best practices in advanced manufacturing engineering and high-precision automation. Support domestic and international travel as needed to visit suppliers, support equipment builds and buy-offs, and oversee installation and ramp-up activities at manufacturing sites.

Essential skills include at least 15+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing engineering within automotive or a related high-volume industry, at least 8+ years of focused experience in high-precision Electric Drive Unit assembly, ICE drivetrain assembly, or highly automated chassis or sub-assembly manufacturing, and a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.

Additional skills and qualifications include experience working in a startup or rapidly scaling production environment, practical application of Lean Manufacturing principles in a high-volume production setting, experience with Six Sigma methodologies, with Black Belt certification preferred, and strong communication and collaboration skills to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Work environment involves frequent interaction with precision CNC machining centers, automated assembly…