Configuration & Design Engineer – Defense Powertrain Systems

ARi; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Holidays

Bereavement support

401(k) plan

Job summary

ARi is a global engineering firm focusing on embedded software, product engineering, and powertrain systems. We seek a senior engineer to design, integrate, and validate defense powertrain architectures and vehicle systems, translating requirements into practical solutions.

You will develop CAD models and drawings, manage packaging, BOMs, and change processes, and collaborate across cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with standards and customer needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or related field.
• 38 years of experience in powertrain/vehicle design and integration.
• Experience with Creo, CATIA, Siemens NX or similar CAD software.
• Experience with PLM tools (Teamcenter/Windchill) preferred.
• Experience supporting prototype builds and validation.
• Experience in defense/heavy equipment industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support configuration, design, and integration of defense powertrain systems.
• Translate requirements into engineering designs and solutions.
• Develop and maintain powertrain architectures and subsystem designs.
• Create and modify 3D CAD models and detailed drawings using Creo or equivalent.
• Perform component packaging studies for space, manufacturability, and thermal management.
• Maintain BOMs, interface control documents, design reports, and config records.
• Support ECR/ECO processes and PLM activities.
• Participate in design reviews and requirement verification.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the product lifecycle.
• Support prototype builds, vehicle integration, testing, and improvements.
• Ensure designs meet defense/military and industry standards.

Skills

Powertrain integration

3D CAD: Creo/CATIA/NX

DFM/DFA

ECR/ECO/PLM

Engineering drawings

Powertrain components

Analytical/problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Automotive Eng

38 years experience in powertrain design

Creo/CATIA/Siemens NX experience

PLM tools: Teamcenter/Windchill

Prototype builds/validation experience

Defense/heavy equipment experience preferred

Tools

Creo

CATIA

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

ARi is a global engineering firm headquartered in East Peoria, Illinois, USA offering services for Embedded Software, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Testing & Validation, Automation & Robotics, and Digital Transformation. We work with 3 of the top 5 Heavy Equipment Players, as well as industry leaders in Automotive, Aerospace, and Industrial Manufacturing sectors. Our power of i represents the innovation, intelligence, ingenuity, and insight that differentiates us from our competition. With 1,500+ engineering talent worldwide, representing multiple nationalities and countries with office locations in North America and India, we are well-positioned to deliver sophisticated and custom solutions to our clients.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Support the configuration, design, and integration of defense powertrain systems for military and off-highway vehicle applications.
• Translate customer, system, and interface requirements into practical engineering designs and technical solutions.
• Develop and maintain powertrain architectures, including engine, transmission, cooling, fuel, air intake, exhaust, and electrical systems.
• Create, modify, and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, layouts, and detailed engineering drawings using Creo or equivalent CAD software.
• Perform component packaging studies to optimize space utilization, manufacturability, serviceability, thermal management, and vehicle integration.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation including Bills of Materials (BOMs), interface control documents, design reports, and configuration records.
• Support engineering change activities, including Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), and configuration management.
• Participate in design reviews, requirement verification, and product development activities to ensure compliance with engineering and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with systems, manufacturing, validation, purchasing, suppliers, and program management teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support prototype builds, vehicle integration, validation testing, issue resolution, and continuous product improvements.
• Ensure designs comply with defense, military, Caterpillar, and applicable industry standards.

Required Skills

• Experience designing and integrating powertrain, drivetrain, engine, transmission, or vehicle systems.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Creo, CATIA, or Siemens NX.
• Strong understanding of component packaging, GD&T, manufacturing processes, and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Experience with configuration management, Engineering Change Requests (ECR), Engineering Change Orders (ECO), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Ability to create and maintain engineering drawings, assemblies, layouts, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Knowledge of powertrain integration, cooling systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, and vehicle packaging.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 38 years of experience in powertrain, drivetrain, engine, transmission, or vehicle systems design and integration.
• Experience with Creo, CATIA, Siemens NX, or similar 3D CAD software.
• Experience using PLM tools such as Teamcenter, Windchill, or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, vehicle integration, validation testing, and engineering change management is preferred.
• Experience in defense, military, heavy equipment, construction, mining, or off-highway vehicle industries is highly preferred.

The Benefits Of Working At ARi

At ARi, our commitment to our employees goes beyond the workplace, ensuring comprehensive benefits. From day one, full-time employees enjoy group health, dental, and life insurance coverage. Additionally, vision coverage is accessible starting the following month. Recognizing the significance of rejuvenation, we provide paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and maternity/paternity leave to our full-time staff. In times of loss, we also offer bereavement support. Furthermore, a 401(k) program is maintained for eligible employees.