Design/Release Engineer - Driveline/Disconnects

Stellantis; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health & Well-being

Generous Paid Time Off

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans

Income Protection & Insurance Options

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Family Building Benefit

Growth and Giving Back Support

And so much more!

Job summary

Stellantis in Auburn, Alabama is seeking a senior driveline engineer to lead the design and development of transfer case shift systems, wheel-end disconnects, and related driveline components. You will partner with CAE, NVH, durability, vehicle dynamics, packaging, and manufacturing teams to optimize performance and ensure seamless integration.

The role emphasizes validation planning, root cause analysis, supplier design approvals, and documentation of DFMEA and DVP&R.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive driveline engineering.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve technical issues and optimize designs.
• Strong knowledge of driveline components and systems including transfer cases, wheel-end disconnects, front axle disconnects, gear reducers and actuators.
• Strong interpersonal communication and ability to work on multiple programs.
• Understanding of root cause analysis tools such as fishbone diagrams, Is-Is not, 3L5Y, RedX, etc.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of driveline systems and components including transfer case shift systems, wheel-end disconnects, front axle disconnects, gears, differentials, lockers, ELDs and actuators.
• Collaborate with CAE, NVH, durability, vehicle dynamics, packaging, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and performance.
• Develop and execute validation plans (bench/vehicle testing) to verify performance and durability of driveline systems.
• Identify and resolve technical issues using root cause analysis.
• Drive approvals for supplier design selections with engineering best practices.
• Create and maintain DFMEA and DVP documents related to driveline systems.
• Pursue continuous improvement in designs, processes, and products with innovative solutions.
• Generate detailed system and sub-system technical specifications to ensure alignment with the supplier base.
• Mentor and provide technical direction to other driveline engineers.
• Identify opportunities to reduce warranty costs and propose technical solutions.
• Prepare and present technical reports, design reviews, and project updates to stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with driveline advancements and incorporate innovations into product designs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Root cause analysis

Mentoring

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

Masters degree (preferred)

Tools

NX/CATIA

DFMEA

DVP&R

GD&T

Job description

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of driveline systems and components, including transfer case shift systems, wheel-end disconnects, front axle disconnects, gears,differentialslockers, ELDsand actuators.

• Collaboration: Work closely with key stakeholder teams such as CAE, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), durability, vehicle dynamics, packaging, and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration and performance.

• DVP&R Execution: Develop and execute validation plans, including component/system bench/vehicle testing, to verify the performance and durability of driveline systems.

• Root Cause Analysis: Identify and resolve technical issues related to driveline systems, utilizing root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques.

• Supplier Design Approvals: Drive approvals for supplier design selection through appropriate assessments and adherence to engineering best practices.

• Best Practices and Documentation: Create, implement, and manage engineering best practices, including the development and maintenance of core DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DVP (Design Verification Plan) documents related to driveline systems.

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively seek opportunities to improve designs, processes, and products through innovative solutions and best practices.

• Generating detailed system and sub-system technical specifications(SSTS/TTS)toensure functionalobjectivesare met.Managethesedocuments toensurealignmentofrequirementswithsupplier base.

• Mentoring: Mentor and provide technical direction to other driveline engineers

• TotalWarranty Cost Reduction: Identify areas of improvement to reduce total warranty costs and propose technical solutions.

• Presentation Skills: Prepare and present technical reports, design reviews, and project updates to stakeholders.

• Industry Competitiveness: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in driveline technologies and incorporate innovative solutions into product designs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or relateddegree field


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive engineering, with a focus on driveline systems


• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve technical issues andoptimizedesigns


• Strong knowledge of driveline components and systems, includingtransfer cases, wheel-end disconnects, front axle disconnects, gearreducersand actuators


• Strong interpersonal communication,adaptableto work on multiple programs,proactive anddriven forresults


• Understanding ofroot cause analysis toolslike fish bone analysis, Is-Is not,3L5Y,RedX, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Engineering


• Demonstrated working level experience in decomposing intended function into requirements


• Knowledge ofCAE/CFDto collaborate with virtual analysis teams


• Assembly and computer aided design (NX / CATIA)


• Experience with Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA)


• Experience with Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R)


• Experience withGeometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)


• Critical character traits to ensure success: Action Oriented, Dealing with Ambiguity, Customer Focus, Problem Solving

Our Benefits — Designed with You in Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage
From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage — ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected.

Generous Paid Time Off
We believe in work-life balance. That's why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut-down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans
We help you plan for the future with:

• An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch‑Up plans


• An employer contribution, even if you don't contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options
Benefit from included and optional disability, life, and other insurance programs — because your peace of mind matters.

Company Vehicle Lease Program
Eligible employees and their immediate families can enjoy company vehicle lease options with included insurance, maintenance, and unlimited mileage. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Family Building Benefit
We proudly support all paths to parenthood‑ including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back
We believe in investing in your future and your passions:

• Tuition reimbursement


• Student loan refinancing programs


• 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more!
When you join us, you're not just building a career — you're joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.