Warranty Engineer

Magna International; Troy (MI); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive supplier in Troy, Michigan is seeking a Warranty & Customer Liaison Engineer. The role is crucial for managing warranty processes for transmission systems, performing root cause analyses, and liaising with OEM customers. Candidates must have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and at least 3 years of experience in automotive engineering. The position requires strong analytical and negotiation skills, as well as familiarity with powertrain technologies. Occasional travel and hands-on work are part of the job.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in automotive engineering, specifically within powertrain or transmission systems.
• Deep understanding of gear sets and torque converters.
• Familiarity with CAN bus communication and vehicle diagnostic tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed teardowns of returned driveline units to identify failure modes.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the 8D process for problem-solving.
• Act as primary point of contact for customer warranty and quality teams.

Skills

Analytical Rigor

Negotiation

Conflict Management

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Tools

Minitab

CANalyzer

Excel VBA

Job description

Overview

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What We Offer At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary

Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That’s what we’re passionate about at Magna Powertrain, and we do it by creating world-class powertrain systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex powertrain systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Powertrain.

Job Responsibilities

Mission of the Position:
The Warranty & Customer Liaison Engineer serves as the critical technical link between our engineering department and the OEM customer. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of warranty management for transmission systems, from hands-on root cause analysis of field failures. Your mission is to protect product integrity, reduce warranty spending, and maintain a high level of trust with the OEM.

Key Responsibilities

• Failure Investigation: Perform detailed teardowns of returned Driveline units (Transfer Case, Rear Drive Units) to identify mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical failure modes.
• Problem Solving: Lead cross-functional teams through the 8D process, utilizing RedX, Fishbone (Ishikawa), and 5-Why methodologies to prevent recurrence.
• Data Monitoring: Analyze warranty data trends (IPTV/CPV) to identify emerging field issues before they become high-visibility campaigns.
• OEM Representation: Act as the primary point of contact for the customer’s Warranty, Quality and Reliability teams.
• Technical Presentations: Prepare and lead "Top Issue" reviews, presenting complex engineering findings to customer stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
• Liability Management: Clearly distinguish between manufacturing defects, design limitations, and "No Trouble Found" (NTF) cases.
• Portal Management: Maintain accuracy in customer-specific warranty portals (e.g., GM PRTS, STLA GIMS etc.).

Requirements And Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from an accredited university is required.
• 3+ years of experience in automotive engineering, specifically within powertrain or transmission systems.
• Deep understanding of gear sets, torque converters, and TCM logic.
• Familiarity with CAN bus communication and vehicle diagnostic tools (CANalyzer, INCA, or similar).
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 quality standards.
• The "Hybrid" Skillset: The ability to move seamlessly from a laboratory/shop environment to a corporate boardroom presentation.
• Negotiation: Strong ability to defend technical positions while maintaining a collaborative "partner" relationship with the customer.
• Analytical Rigor: Proficiency in statistical software (Minitab, JMP, or Excel VBA).
• Conflict Management: Ability to remain calm and data-driven when under pressure from customer-driven deadlines or quality spikes.
• Technical Factor (TF) Optimization: Minimizing unjustified supplier liability.
• Response Timing: 100% adherence to customer-mandated response windows for initial and final root cause reports.
• NTF Rate: Reduction in "No Trouble Found" returns through better dealer diagnostic guidance.

Magna Standards

• Practice and maintain integrity while following Magna’s Charter and Constitution.
• Follow Magna’s Code of Conduct and Ethics and related compliance policies.
• Supports and adheres to policies, procedures, and operational guidelines related to established quality management system (IATF 16949).
• Drive the development of new technologies to improve quality, efficiency and reduce cost.
• Comply with safety policies and procedures to ensure duties of self are performed in a safe manner.
• Health & Safety responsibilities:
• Understand applicable Environmental, Health & Safety policies and procedures in the workplace.
• Report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Report injuries, accidents, illnesses, near misses, property damage immediately.
• Follow safety rules.
• Comply with requirements for the use or operation of machines or equipment.
• Comply with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Create a positive work environment by demonstrating and sharing functional/technical knowledge.
• Develop and maintain a responsive and cooperative working relationship with internal and external customers.
• Treat everyone with dignity, trust and respect.
• Complete additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Comply with Magna’s information and data protection policies.

Note: The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Work Environment

• Office environment.
• Occasional travel (10-20%) to assembly plants or dealerships for field investigations.
• Hands-on lab work involving the teardown of oily/mechanical components.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type

Regular / Permanent

Group

Magna Powertrain