Engineer, IID Switches Design Responsible Engineer (DRE)

Aquent; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking an experienced Engineer in Novi, Michigan, to lead the design and development of electromechanical components for cutting-edge electric vehicles. You will play a key role in shaping the user experience and ensuring robust, production-ready designs.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in automotive product development and strong expertise in human-machine interfaces. This position offers an exciting chance to contribute to innovative technology in a high-growth environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in electromechanical component design.
• Strong expertise in automotive assignments covering product development phases.
• Familiarity with diagnostics, switch fault handling, and industrial design.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of electromechanical components for vehicles.
• Manage supplier resources and ensure compliance with design standards.
• Collaborate on switch logic and validate electrical design specifications.

Skills

Electromechanical component design

Human-machine interfaces design

Supplier management

Six-sigma engineering

Computer-aided engineering (CAE)

Diagnostics and fault handling

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Join a pioneering company that is revolutionizing the automotive industry with innovative, rugged electric vehicles. As a vital partner with Aquent, you will contribute to shaping the future of transportation by bringing cutting‑edge design and engineering to life. This is an incredible opportunity to make a tangible impact on a new generation of vehicles, driving forward sustainability and advanced technology in a dynamic, high‑growth environment.

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Engineer to lead the design and development of critical electromechanical components. In this role, you will be instrumental in defining the user experience and functionality of our next‑generation vehicles. You will be at the forefront of innovation, translating concepts into robust, production‑ready designs that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.

What you’ll do

• Be responsible for the electrical hardware design and release of electrical switches and switch modules, covering all phases from clean sheet through virtual development, testing/sign‑off, and manufacturing launch for Scout rugged SUV’s and pick‑ups.
• Work with Studio, Concept, Purchasing, and Finance counterparts to develop technical specifications in support of the quoting and sourcing process.
• Manage supplier resources efficiently to deliver components and systems that meet cost, timing, and quality targets.
• Work with suppliers to develop robust electrical design verification and validation plans, perform virtual and physical testing, and ensure issues are resolved prior to program validation sign‑off milestones.
• Define electrical interfaces for switch modules that conform with vehicle EE architecture, power distribution, grounding, diagnostics, and network communication requirements.
• Collaborate with software and systems teams on switch logic, diagnostics, and fault handling.
• Ensure designs conform to safety standards and U.S. government regulations.
• Proactively stay attuned to consumer experience and propose system improvements accordingly.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, or combined electrical/mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or a relevant field.
• 10+ years of experience in electromechanical component areas with a focus on switch design and relevant automotive assignments covering all phases of product development (design, test, and launch).
• Strong technical skills and expertise in human‑machine interfaces design, switches, and related electromechanical components and systems, employing a six‑sigma approach to engineering design and problem‑solving.
• Familiarity with computer‑aided engineering (CAE) or direct experience in this field.
• Knowledge of diagnostics, DTCs, and switch fault handling.
• Experience dealing with industrial design studio and CMF (color, material and finish) requirements.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with individuals at all organizational levels.
• Experience with light and color harmony.
• Experience with switch haptics and mechanical design.
• Supplier (not limited to tier 1) management and engagement experience to ensure design robustness and performance matrix compliance for on‑time delivery from kick‑off to post‑SOP.
• VW group experience is desirable.

Aquent is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.