Drive Unit Architect: Systems Lead for Next-Gen Propulsion

Jobtailor; Missouri; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Missouri is seeking an experienced engineer to define and engineer drive unit and transmission architectures for vehicle programs. You will lead technical definition during BA and early NPD phases, own engineering deliverables, and provide cross-functional leadership across production, design, validation, software, calibration, and manufacturing teams.

You will translate program objectives into structured workstreams, drive trade-off decisions, mentor engineers, and ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• 5+ years experience in drive units, transmissions, hybrid propulsion systems, electric propulsion systems, gearing systems, or related powertrain hardware.
• Experience in system architecture, subsystem integration, or cross-functional technical leadership.
• Strong understanding of balancing mechanical and electromechanical systems across performance, efficiency, cost, quality, manufacturability, and timing.
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance on significant technical matters.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills.
• Ability to influence direction and drive alignment across functions without direct authority.
• Experience leading technical work spanning multiple components, functions, or engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Define and engineer drive unit and transmission architectures that meet vehicle-level requirements.
• Lead technical definition of new drive unit and transmission concepts during BA and early NPD phases.
• Own engineering and program deliverables during BA, including requirements definition and readiness for gate reviews.
• Provide technical leadership to a Balance Architecture core team with cross-functional alignment.
• Translate program objectives into structured engineering workstreams and system requirements.
• Serve as central technical integrator across production release, design, validation, software and controls, calibration, manufacturing, and quality.
• Drive system and subsystem tradeoff decisions across gears, power transfer, and related interfaces.
• Support development of future propulsion architecture strategies and smooth handoffs to downstream teams.
• Lead technical reviews and provide data-based recommendations in ambiguous or tight-timeline situations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external partners to mature concepts and resolve technical gaps.
• Mentor less-experienced engineers and act as a technical resource.

Skills

System architecture

Subsystem integration

Technical leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Jobtailor in Missouri is seeking an experienced engineer to define and engineer drive unit and transmission architectures for vehicle programs. You will lead technical definition during BA and early NPD phases, own engineering deliverables, and provide cross-functional leadership across production, design, validation, software, calibration, and manufacturing teams.

You will translate program objectives into structured workstreams, drive trade-off decisions, mentor engineers, and ensure