Mechanical Engineer- Transmissions (MI, Muskegon)

RENK Systems Corporation; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

RENK America in Muskegon, Michigan is seeking a Transmission Mechanical Engineer responsible for designing gearboxes and transmissions for military vehicles. You will engage in the full scope of product development, from research and design to prototyping and testing.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and strong problem-solving skills. The role offers the chance to work in a collaborative environment and participate in innovative projects.

Qualifications

• 0-8 years of relevant experience including new college graduates.
• Ability to analyze mechanical requirements and assess design feasibility.
• Must be willing to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Design transmissions and gearboxes for military ground vehicles.
• Develop detailed CAD models and drawings.
• Support investigations on mechanical systems.

Skills

Mechanical systems knowledge

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Engineering calculations

Education

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo or other CAD software

Microsoft Office applications

ANSYS, MASTA, MATLAB Simulink

Job description

RENK America is a leading supplier in the defense, marine and industrial sectors, offering superior mobility, propulsion and drivetrain solutions. The company employs over 500 employees across U.S. locations in Muskegon, Michigan, Cincinnati, Ohio, Camby, Indiana and Roseville, Michigan.

Description

The Transmission Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for designing transmissions and gearboxes for military ground vehicles including tanks, howitzers, and infantry fighting vehicles. Projects encompass the full scope of product development, from research and design through prototyping and testing of functional improvements. The engineer reports to the Director of Transmission Engineering, with day‑to‑day oversight by a Project Engineer.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for mechanical subsystem design, including analysis, integration, and performance evaluation in combat vehicle applications.
• Develop innovative technical concepts and perform mechanical, hydraulic, and thermal analysis to ensure new designs meet requirements.
• Develop and release detailed CAD models and drawings for qualification and production release using Engineering Change Proposals.
• Work in a cross-functional environment, interfacing with program management, project engineering, test engineering, analysts, designers, and electrical/controls engineering, as well as customers and suppliers.
• Compose design verification test plans capturing all performance data to assess new design requirement compliance.
• Oversee qualification activities including bench, dynamometer, and vehicle level testing.
• Participate in root cause failure analysis investigations on mechanical systems.
• Support new products/processes and implement operational plans that impact business or functional results.
• Analyze mechanical requirements to assess design feasibility within time and cost constraints.
• Prepare mechanical design information and reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends.
• Support investigations involving the origination or modification of material, component, or process specifications or requirements.
• Support preparation of design specifications, analysis, and recommendations for presentation and approval.
• Consolidate results of mechanical design elements for assigned projects.
• Make improvements in processes, systems, or products.
• Maintain existing product design, including support of TDP, production, and supply chain support.

Level / pay for this position will be commensurate with education & experience.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university required with 0‑8 years of relevant experience (including new college graduates).
• Ability to perform engineering calculations such as mechanical stress, structural, thermal fluids, and heat transfer.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems and components such as gears, shafts, pumps, and bearings.
• Problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to participate in and lead failure analysis investigations.
• GD&T knowledge, including the ability to create and read machining and assembly prints.
• Creo or other CAD modeling software experience.
• Ability to make technical decisions, complete assignments within budget and schedule, and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage and organize multiple project tasks to meet established deadlines, including tracking metrics and reporting status of engineering activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communications.
• Ability to utilize all Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Must be willing to travel (domestic and foreign) up to 10%.
• Must be able to move freely, with or without reasonable accommodation, throughout a manufacturing environment.
• Must be capable of obtaining a DOD security clearance if necessary for the program.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Previous experience with transmission or gearbox components and concepts such as:
  • Hydraulic systems, control valves, and pumps
  • Gears, planetary sets, bearings, clutches, brakes, structural housings, and shafts
  • Geartrain performance parameters such as speed, torque, power, and gear ratio.
  • Integration into a vehicle and performance evaluation
• MS in Mechanical Engineering (or other advanced degree).
• Systems engineering experience.
• Hybrid vehicle experience.
• Manufacturing or assembly line experience.
• Fluent in German, French, or other languages.
• Understanding of bill of materials and processes for development.
• Root cause failure analysis training such as Six Sigma, 8D, Shainin Red X, etc.
• Gear design exposure including AGMA training or certification.
• Proficiency in engineering software such as ANSYS, MASTA, MATLAB Simulink, GT Suite, LabView.
• Experience in an aerospace/military manufacturing environment with CNC machining, complex assembly, and product testing.

RENK America is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Veterans.

RENK America is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. RENK America is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. RENK America maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.