Steering System Engineer

ND Defense; Madison Heights (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ND Defense in Madison Heights, Michigan is seeking a Steering System Engineer to design and validate steering systems for various military and commercial vehicles. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years in steering system design.

In this dynamic role, you'll tackle diverse projects, requiring creative problem-solving and the ability to shift priorities. An understanding of 3D CAD tools like Creo, NX, and CATIA is essential. The position mandates U.S. Person status due to ITAR regulations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in steering system design or vehicle chassis/suspension engineering.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic assist, EPS, and column design.
• Genuine interest in using AI tools to work smarter.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and validate steering systems across various vehicle programs.
• Balance multiple steering programs and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Support prototype builds and on-vehicle validation.

Skills

Steering system design

Creative problem-solving

3D CAD model interpretation

Experience with hydraulic assist and EPS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Creo

NX

CATIA

Job description

ND Defense designs, builds, and manufactures an array of military and commercial products including tactical wheeled vehicles, heavy trucks, and products for multiple other verticals. As our Steering System Engineer, you will work on a wide variety of vehicles across multiple programs.

This is a role for someone who is energized by variety rather than worn down by it. Priorities shift, programs compete for attention, and the ability to pivot without losing momentum on the projects already underway is what makes this job work.

What You'll Do

• Design, integrate, and validate steering systems across drive‑by‑wire conversions and new‑vehicle programs, from EPS and hydraulic assist to steer‑by‑wire actuation.
• Balance multiple steering programs and competing priorities at once, adjusting focus as the business needs shift.
• Solve handling, durability, and integration challenges creatively; there is not always a precedent to follow.
• Help build out steering engineering processes and standards that are still taking shape; this is a role for someone energized by figuring it out, not frustrated by it.
• Support prototype builds and on‑vehicle validation, including hands‑on troubleshooting on the shop floor.
• Bring enthusiasm for AI tools and automation to streamline analysis and documentation.

You’ll Thrive Here If You…

• Like carrying a wide variety of steering and chassis projects at once, and can pivot quickly when priorities shift.
• Enjoy creative problem‑solving and look forward to a tough handling or integration challenge rather than around it.
• Are driven, flexible, and adapt well to a fast‑paced, demanding pace of work.
• Are comfortable working within processes and standards that are still being built or refined, and want to help shape them rather than wait for them to be finished.
• Are okay with some unknowns and ambiguity, and would rather be part of finding the solution than have every answer handed to you.
• Get excited about AI tools and look for cutting‑edge ways to use them to work smarter.
• Bring a positive, team‑oriented attitude to the table, even when the day gets demanding.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in steering system design or vehicle chassis/suspension engineering.
• Working knowledge of steering system principles: hydraulic assist, EPS, column design, and steering geometry.
• Comfortable reviewing and interpreting 3D CAD models, assemblies, and drawings (e.g., Creo, NX, CATIA) to support fast, sound engineering decisions.
• Genuine interest in using AI tools to work smarter; not required on day one, but it will make you stand out.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.62): a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by 22 CFR 120.62 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).

ND Defense LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, natio