Development Engineer Sr I (100136)

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

American Honda Motor Company, Inc. in California is seeking a Development Project Lead to drive powertrain development projects from concept to launch. You will coordinate with design, simulation, production and program management, plan resources, analyze data, and own issue resolution.

The role requires a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, 5–7 years of powertrain development experience, and strong communication skills to work across diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in development and testing of powertrains, including product planning, validation, and test cycle development.
• Engineering knowledge including control systems, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, statics and dynamics, and internal combustion engine fundamentals; ability to present data and conclusions clearly.
• Technical report writing experience; ability to communicate effectively in a technical environment.
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration and working under pressure in diverse environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development projects from concept to completion, including planning, reporting, data analysis, and coordinating with design, simulation, production and program management.
• Own root-cause analysis and countermeasures for project issues and hardware failures.
• Develop and execute development testing plans; document troubleshooting and test reports with clear results and timelines.
• Lead a subgroup within the development team and contribute to performance plans and training.

Skills

Powertrain development

Project management

Technical writing

Data analysis

Team leadership

Thermodynamics

Education

B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Project

Job description

What Makes a Honda, Is Who Makes a Honda

Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it’s a joyful one. We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future‑focused goals.

At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success. We strive to be a company that serves as a source of “power” that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realise “the joy and freedom of mobility” by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a “zero environmental footprint.”

We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team.

If your goals and values align with Honda’s, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future!

Job Purpose

Leads development activities for assigned group and or projects. Responsible for the progress of assigned area, reviewing both project targets as well as resource planning and coordination. Directs other development associates both technically as well as functionally.

Key Accountabilities

Development Project Lead: Responsible for leading assigned development projects through all steps from concept to completion. Involves planning, report writing, coordination, data analysis, and making sound judgments and conclusions. Collaborates with design, simulation, production and program management on project direction, timing, and technical requirement. Ownership for problems and hardware failures within assigned project. Investigating and following route cause analysis methods to create countermeasures that meet project targets and timing.

Development Testing: Execute development testing and decision‑making process to achieve test objectives while minimising the potential for test hardware failure or damage to test equipment. Develop problem resolutions during test and document the troubleshooting efforts. Create clear and concise test reports within the required timelines defined by the department and project team. Communicate results and conclusions to peers for review and open collaboration. Review and include relevant results from prior tests and simulation to develop the next steps and conclusions.

Project and Testing Communication: Provide regular communication on project and testing status. Present project results and planning at each stage of the development process in a format that is clear. Write technical reports of development testing and summaries of development projects. Develop detailed department manuals and procedures. Update and maintain database for assigned development projects.

Development Group Leader: Responsible for leading a subgroup within the larger development group in a focussed area. Manage workload and individual associate tasking to ensure Development group goals are met. Contribute to associate performance plans and training.

Qualifications, Experience, And Skills

• B.S. degree or equivalent work experience in Mechanical Engineering or related field, with an emphasis in internal combustion engines or electrified power trains and associated coursework such as fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.
• Minimum 5‑7 years experience with development and testing of powertrains including product planning, validation, and test cycle development.
• Engineering discipline knowledge including control systems, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, statics and dynamics, and internal combustion engine fundamentals. Proficient presenting clear ideas, data, conclusions and communicates effectively in a technical environment.
• Technical report writing experience. Previous project management experience using MS Project.
• Experience with powertrain or chassis dynamometer testing, data logging hardware and software, and test instrumentation a plus.
• Proven ability to communicate technical information effectively both verbally and in written form to a wide variety of audiences. Ability to work in team environment under minimal supervision. Detailed oriented individual who can effectively work well under pressure in a culturally diverse environment.

Decisions Expected

• Define the direction and process for development of assigned projects.
• Determine route cause and solution for problems and failures within assigned area and projects.
• Decide priority for group tasks and manage based on workload

Working Conditions

Physical Demands Requirements

Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist while working. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees to work on close to the groundwork. Crawling. Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet to work underneath suspended vehicles/engines/equipment to diagnosis problems and or remove replace parts. Standing for sustained periods during work or events. Sitting. Extensive travel and long travels. Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks (particularly walking long distances at the track to pit lane and around shop) Lifting. Raising objects of 25 pounds from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position‑to‑position. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers while servicing / maintaining a race engine, vehicles and equipment. The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, exposure to high heat and exposure to chemicals.

Emotional Requirements

• Make quick decisions
• Hazard awareness, aware of surroundings
• Planning and problem‑solving
• Coping with change and other people

Honda is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.