Brake System Engineer

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FULL TIME Madison Heights, MI, Madison Heights, MI, US

5 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $ Annually

ND Defense designs, builds, and manufactures an array of military and commercial products including tactical wheeled vehicles, heavy trucks, and products for multiple other verticals. As our Braking System Engineer, you will work on a wide variety of vehicles across multiple programs.

This is a role for someone who is energized by variety rather than worn down by it. Priorities shift, programs compete for attention, and the ability to pivot without losing momentum on the projects already underway is what makes this job work.

What You’ll Do

• Design and integrate braking systems across drive-by-wire conversions and new-vehicle programs, balancing performance, redundancy, and program timelines that do not always wait for perfect information.
• Juggle multiple braking subsystems, supplier relationships, and test schedules at once, reprioritizing as program needs change.
• Bring creative problem-solving to ABS/ESC integration, fail-safe design, and on-vehicle issues that do not have an off-the-shelf answer.
• Help build and refine the processes, standards, and documentation this role runs on; you will often be writing the playbook, not just following it.
• Get hands-on during prototype builds and on-vehicle validation, solving fit and assembly issues in real time on the shop floor.
• Look for ways AI tools and automation can take routine analysis or documentation off your plate so you can focus on the engineering that needs a person.

You’ll Thrive Here If You...

• Like working on a wide variety of braking and chassis projects at once and can pivot quickly when priorities shift.
• Enjoy creative problem-solving and look forward to meeting tough challenges head on.
• Take initiative, stay driven, and adapt well to a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Are comfortable working within processes and standards that are still being built or refined and want to help shape them rather than wait for them to be finished.
• Are okay with some unknowns and ambiguity and would rather be part of finding the solution than have every answer handed to you.
• Get excited about AI tools and look for cutting-edge ways to use them to work smarter.
• Bring a positive, team-oriented attitude to the table, even when the day gets demanding.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in braking system design or vehicle chassis systems engineering, including hands-on work with pneumatic brake systems and ABS/ESC integration. Experience with heavy trucks is preferred.
• Comfortable reviewing and interrogating 3D CAD models and assemblies (e.g., Creo, NX, CATIA) to make fast, sound engineering calls.
• Knowledge of functional safety requirements and fail-safe design strategies (e.g., ISO 26262) is a plus.
• Genuine interest in using AI tools to work smarter; not required on day one, but adoption of AI tools over time is expected.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62): a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.

ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by 22 CFR §120.62 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).

ND Defense LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.