Mechanical Development Engineer

BorgWarner Transmission Products LLC; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

BorgWarner is seeking an Applications Mechanical Development Engineer (MDE) for VCT and Timing Drive projects in Ithaca, MI. You will collaborate with design, suppliers, prototype and validation teams to bring robust mechanical components to production, ensuring performance and durability.

The role requires a degree in mechanical engineering and up to 2 years of relevant experience, with strong GD&T, tolerance analysis and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical preferred).
• 0-2 years’ experience preferred in VCT/TD or close tolerance mechanical/hydraulic devices.
• Detailed understanding of design processes.
• Well versed in GD&T, tolerance stacks, and general mechanical drawing standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills (8D, FTA, DOE).
• Experience in design, development and release of new products.
• Familiarity with statistical methods for data analysis.
• Experience and knowledge in the TS-16949 quality systems.
• Computer Skills in Microsoft Office products.
• Understanding and working knowledge of various simulation/FEA tools.

Responsibilities

• Creation or review of product performance specifications or targets.
• Lead designs to meet customer specifications and packaging constraints.
• Proof of concept evaluation and technical assessment of design refinements.
• Recommend application specific design changes that meet customer’s technical requirements.
• Lead or support DFMEA and DVP&R reviews with customers or in support with validation engineering groups.
• Support analysis of prototype parts for functional performance and/or failure modes as well as parts diagnostics on customer vehicles/engines.
• Lead or support all technical meetings with customers and appropriate teams within DMS.
• Release design for various program phases in conformance with product design guidelines and Product Development Launch Processes (PDLP).
• Identify new concepts that address weaknesses within our current product portfolio or technology roadmap and collaborate with the VCT and Chain Drive Homerooms.
• Collaborate with Plant Product Engineering for improved quality, manufacturing efficiency or design cost reductions.

Skills

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Problem solving

8D

DOE

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

FEA

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Application Mechanical Development Engineer (MDE) – This person will support engineering projects in Variable Cam Timing (VCT) / Timing Drive (TD) applications, product development, VA/VE and new business opportunities. This position will collaborate with the design department, potential suppliers, prototype department and validation teams. You will create innovative and cost-effective solutions to bring mechanical components to realization and into production. You will ensure that the product meets all internal and customer requirements including performance and minimum durability requirements in collaboration with the validation group. BorgWarner is the recognized leader in advanced products and technologies that satisfy customer needs in powertrain components and system solutions.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: MDE – VCT and Timing Drive Engineer

Functional Department: Application Engineering

Job Location: Ithaca

Employment Status: Full Time

Global Grade: Grade 10

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date: 3/9/2026

POSITION SUMMARY

Application Mechanical Development Engineer (MDE) – This person will support engineering projects in Variable Cam Timing (VCT) / Timing Drive (TD) applications, product development, VA/VE and new business opportunities. This position will collaborate with the design department, potential suppliers, prototype department and validation teams. You will create innovative and cost-effective solutions to bring mechanical components to realization and into production. You will ensure that the product meets all internal and customer requirements including performance and minimum durability requirements in collaboration with the validation group.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creation or review of product performance specifications or targets.
• Lead designs to meet customer specifications and packaging constraints.
• Proof of concept evaluation and technical assessment of design refinements.
• Recommend application specific design changes that meet customer’s technical requirements.
• Lead or support DFMEA and DVP&R reviews with customers or in support with validation engineering groups.
• Support analysis of prototype parts for functional performance and/or failure modes as well as parts diagnostics on customer vehicles/engines.
• Lead or support all technical meetings with customers and appropriate teams within DMS.
• Release design for various program phases in conformance with product design guidelines and Product Development Launch Processes (PDLP).
• Identify new concepts that address weaknesses within our current product portfolio or technology roadmap and collaborate with the VCT and Chain Drive Homerooms.
• Collaborate with Plant Product Engineering for improved quality, manufacturing efficiency or design cost reductions.
• Safety and Health – Responsible for completing required safety training, reporting and correcting any unsafe practices as appropriate, completing work activities in a safe manner, and complying with safety and health requirements for respective position.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (Minimum Qualifications)

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical Preferred).

0-2 years’ experience preferred in VCT / TD or close tolerance mechanical/hydraulic devices.

Detailed understanding of design processes.

Well versed in GD&T, tolerance stacks, and general mechanical drawing standards.

Excellent problem-solving skills (8D, FTA, DOE).

Experience in design, development and release of new products.

Familiarity with statistical methods for data analysis.

Experience and knowledge in the TS-16949 quality systems.

Computer Skills in Microsoft Office products.

Understanding and working knowledge of various simulation/FEA tools.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Customer Focus Decision Quality Motivating Others Problem Solving Learning on the Fly Creativity Process Management Drive for Results Dealing with Ambiguiity Functional/Technical Skills

EEO STATEMENT

It is the policy of BorgWarner to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants/employees regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, marital status or any other characteristics covered by federal, state or local law.

𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀:

Creative Problem-Solving, Effectively Present Solutions, Engineering Technology, Measure Solution Performance, Relationship Maintenance

SALARY RANGE

Internal Use Only: Salary

OUR CULTURE

BorgWarner is a global product leader in delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. We are a company of innovators and independent thinkers that brings together talented employees, meaningful work and amazing technology in a unique environment. At BorgWarner we constantly work towards our vision of a clean and energy-efficient world. Our Culture BorgWarner promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive environment, honors integrity, strives for excellence, commits to responsibility for our communities and the environment, and builds on the power of collaboration. We believe the health and safety of our employees are a top priority.

Career Opportunities

We manage talent as seriously as we manage our businesses and encourage you to learn about our proud history, strong culture, technologies, and vision for the future. We offer positions locally and globally with over 90 locations in 19 countries.