Powertrain Senior Design Engineer

Toyota Material Handling; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 106,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Paid holidays

Medical plans

401(k) match

Life insurance

Tuition assistance

EAP program

Onsite fitness

Job summary

Toyota Material Handling in Columbus, IN is seeking a Powertrain Senior Design Engineer to lead development of powertrain systems for next-generation electric forklifts. You will design, validate, and release powertrain components, balancing performance, durability, and manufacturability.

You will manage development schedules, collaborate with CAE, electrical and manufacturing teams, and ensure CAD/PLM data accuracy, BOMs, and engineering change instructions while upholding safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is required.
• Graduate degree is a plus.
• 5+ years in new product development with powertrain design for mobile equipment.
• Proficient with CATIA V5 and PLM systems.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and release forklift models and components.
• Develop, validate, and enhance powertrain components for performance and durability.
• Create and manage development schedules for powertrain systems.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure safety, manufacturability, cost, quality and delivery.
• Analyze FEA reports and validate strength with CAE engineers.
• Define prototype test plans and evaluation procedures with the testing group.
• Specify system parameters for control system design with electrical team.
• Manage revisions using CAD and PLM; ensure drawing quality and tolerances.
• Author technical specifications for powertrain suppliers.
• Maintain Bills of Materials and Engineering Change Instructions.
• Uphold safety and compliance in all activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Graduate degree preferred

Tools

CATIA V5

Job description

Join our Team as a Powertrain Senior Design Engineer!

The Role

We’re seeking a passionate and dedicated Powertrain Senior Design Engineer to help shape the next generation of electric forklifts. In this role, you’ll take the lead on developing powertrain systems and components, with a focus on performance, durability, and innovation. It requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent communication skills and technical knowledge. The ideal candidate will be an energetic and adaptive person that contributes strong technical expertise to a fast-paced engineering team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design, develop, and release new and enhanced forklift models, OEM components, and system options.
• Develop, validate, and enhance powertrain components to meet product performance and durability requirements.
• Create, manage and execute development schedule for powertrain-related systems to meet project deadlines.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams to ensure safety, manufacturability, cost, quality and delivery of new products.
• Analyze FEA reports and partner with CAE engineers to validate component strength.
• Work with the testing group to define prototype test plans, pass/fail criteria, and evaluation procedures.
• Work with electrical engineering team to specify system parameters and performance targets for control system design.
• Manage part, assembly, and drawing revisions using CAD and PLM systems.
• Ensure drawing quality by verifying design intent, quality control characteristics, dimensions, tolerances and clarity
• Author technical specifications for powertrain component suppliers.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including Bills of Materials and Engineering Change Instructions.
• Uphold a strong commitment to safety and alertness in all work activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering; graduate degree preferred.
• 5+ years in New Product Development engineering, including 3+ years focused on powertrain design for mobile equipment or 1 full product design cycle.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and PLM software; CATIA V5 preferred.
• Proficient in electric vehicle powertrain systems design of gears, motors, bearings, castings, axles, seals, and brakes.
• Familiarity with geartrain design and AC electrical power systems preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-cultural and cross-functional teams.

What Sets You Apart

• Hands-on mindset - you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves, whether it’s for an oil change or a DIY project.
• A passion for innovation - share examples in your portfolio along with your resume.

Where And When You’ll Work

• This is an in-person role located at our Columbus, IN office—ideal for those who thrive in a hands-on, team-oriented environment.

What Your Total Compensation & Benefits Package will look like:

Salary - $106,000 - $155,000

Relocation: This role may be eligible for relocation assistance.

World Class Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Performance Bonus
• Generous Paid Time Off and 13 Paid Holidays
• Affordable Medical plans and no-cost Dental & Vision options
• 100% 401(k) match up to 6%
• Company-Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with access to mental health care, legal support, and financial guidance
• Recognition and Kaizen (continuous improvement) Reward Programs
• Meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development
• Onsite Fitness Center & Occupational Health Clinic
• Best in class work culture!

Big Name | Big Opportunities | Life is Better at Toyota

Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), the industry leader in forklift sales, comprises two main brands: Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation. We believe investing in the best people, products, and processes will fuel our future success, and we will always be driven by our foundational principles of “respect for people” and “continuous improvement”. With opportunities across North America, we are confident you will find the right position within TMHNA that can help you build a long, fulfilling career.

Learn more here: https://www.toyotaforklift.com/careers

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