Sr. System Engineer - Swaybar

American Axle & Mfg., Inc.; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (AAM) in Detroit, MI, is seeking a Sr. System Engineer to join our fast-growing driveline systems team.

You will translate customer visions into robust subsystems using standard engineering processes and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate has 5+ years designing suspension and swaybar systems, hands-on experience with electromechanical actuators, strong communication, and ability to lead problem solving and design reviews.

Qualifications

• : Bachelor's degree in Engineering (or MS with 3–5 years of experience).
• : 5+ years product design and development experience, specifically in suspension systems, swaybar tuning, and electromechanical actuator development (hardware and software).
• : Extensive experience with swaybar disconnect systems, integration, performance tuning and system optimization.
• : Strong verbal and written communication for business and technical documentation.
• : Ability to create clear presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define performance requirements, architecture, and interfaces for subsystems (eMachine, EE Hardware, Gearbox, SW, Controls, Actuation).
• Support system packaging, sizing analyses & design tools for selecting major subsystems components (motors, gear ratio, sensing).
• Create test orders/specifications and coordinate with cross-functional teams to execute testing.
• Coordinate with internal and external cross-functional and global stakeholders to develop and validate subsystems.
• Create engineering documentation and project deliverables such as DFMEA, DFM/DFA, GD&T schemes.
• Utilize CAE tools to drive design of systems and components; support CAE group with FEA, data analysis, and tolerance stacks.
• Support development testing of systems (Characterization, Calibration, limit samples).
• Lead engineering problem solving (Ishikawa diagrams, 8D, DOEs).
• Support cost estimation to meet BOM targets and understand cost drivers for design changes.
• Schedule, facilitate, and conduct system peer reviews and weekly engineering status reviews.
• Contribute to product roadmap development with global stakeholders.

Skills

Swaybar tuning

Electromechanical actuators

System engineering

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MS with 3–5 years of experience

Tools

CAE tools

Job description

At AAM, the POWER is in our people. We believe that an equitable and inclusive workplace benefits everyone, and that the diversity of our Associates drives creativity and innovation. Our global team is made of dreamers, doers and innovators who are Delivering POWER for a safer, brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.

Sr. System Engineer - Swaybar

Job Description Summary

Join the rapidly growing team of motivated Systems Engineers at AAM developing the industry's state of the art driveline products!

Our Senior System Engineers work in a team environment to take our customer's vision and turn it into products using proven industry system engineering tools and processes. Our projects are highly complex and require strategic direction, cross-disciplinary integration and testing, and ingenuity of approach. Our Senior System Engineers are also our front line driving engineering oriented problem solving into our development.

At AAM, we're bringing the future faster!

Job Description

• Supports system engineering in the definition of performance requirements, architecture, and interfaces for subsystems such as eMachine, EE Hardware, Gearbox, SW, Controls, Actuation mechanism, Clutch, etc.
• Supports System packaging, sizing analyses & design tools for selecting major Subsystems components such as motors, gear ratio, gear reduction mechanism layout, and sensing, etc.
• Supports creating test orders / specification and coordinate with cross-functional team to execute the testing.
• Coordinates with internal and external cross-functional and global stakeholders to develop and validate subsystems.
• Creates engineering documentation and project deliverables such as DFMEA, DFM/DFA, GD&T dimension schemes, etc.
• Utilizes CAE tools and methods to drive the design of Systems Subsystems and components. Support CAE Group to perform component FEA, data analysis and tolerance stacks as required.
• Supports development testing of Systems where required (Characterization, Calibration, limit samples, etc.)
• Works with Subsystems engineering, components engineering & services to release designs and drawings.
• Supports product calibration efforts as necessary.
• Leads engineering-oriented problem solving (Ishikawa diagrams, 8D, DOEs).
• Supports cost estimation to meet bill of materials (BOM) targets, and fully understands cost drivers for design changes.
• Schedules, facilitates, and conducts System peer reviews and weekly engineering project status reviews throughout product development process.
• Supports creation of engineering project plans with engineering project manager to meet project milestones and deliverables.
• Achieves product engineering operational objectives by contributing information and analysis to strategic plans and reviews; preparing and completing action plans; identifying, developing, and implementing process improvements.
• Meets product engineering financial objectives by estimating requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
• Supports creation & utilization of suitable/efficient processes, tools, and methods for subsystem design and integration (subsystem discipline maturation, innovation, continuous improvement scope).
• Works with global stakeholders in developing product roadmap and support the integration of those new components into the organization's portfolio of products.
• Actively shares learning and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leads change management, risk registry, and engineering incident reports. Contribute to product innovation and expansion of product portfolio

Required Skills and Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (or MS with 3-5 years of professional experience). Advanced engineering degree preferred.
• 5+ years of product design and development experience, specifically in suspension systems, swaybar tuning, and electromechanical actuator development (both hardware and software).
• Extensive experience with swaybar disconnect systems, including their integration, performance tuning, and system optimization.
• Proficiency in electromechanical actuator technology, particularly coil actuators, used in suspension and swaybar disconnect applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for business and technical documentation.
• Ability to create clear, concise formal presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to approach complex problems methodically and effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating across teams to drive innovation and resolve technical challenges.

Preferred Skills And Education:

• Up-to-date knowledge of chassis components, suspension design principles, and swaybar disconnect technology.
• Familiarity with the latest advancements in electromechanical actuators, particularly in the context of automotive suspension and swaybar disconnect systems.

About AAM:

As a leading global Tier 1 Automotive and Mobility Supplier, AAM designs, engineers and manufactures Driveline and Metal Forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Headquartered in Detroit with over 80 facilities in 18 countries, we are Bringing the Future Faster for a safer and more sustainable tomorrow. To learn more, visit AAM.com.

Why Join #TeamAAM:

As a member of #TeamAAM, you'll get to make a difference on day one. From your first day with us, you'll have the opportunity to grow, embrace challenges, build your skills, and bring your authentic self to work every day, all while helping to shape the future of mobility for AAM...and the world.

AAM will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail [e-mail]. AAM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.