Application Engineer Automotive Powertrain and Wheel End

Full-time - Entry Level

Plymouth, MI

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

About the position

The SKF Automotive Market has responsibility for business development, product and process development, manufacturing and sales on wheel end, powertrain, suspension and steering applications, providing original equipment parts for the passenger and commercial vehicle industry. Your focus will be on Powertrain/Wheel-end Applications, including both conventional, hybrids and Electric Vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Be the primary technical liaison with the customer, managing and growing relationships with their engineering team.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities by providing technical support and problem-solving expertise.
• Perform bearing selections and calculations using internal and commercial tools.
• Convey technical solutions clearly through phone calls, emails, and technical presentations.
• Work closely with sales, design, quality, project management, manufacturing, sample shop, and business development teams.
• Lead design reviews, validation campaigns, and ensure timely technical deliverables during launch phases.
• Manage and document engineering activities from business opportunity to production, including specification, prototype, industrialization, and warranty phases.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 1-5 years demonstrated experience in the automotive industry, through internship, co-op, or personal experience.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with electric vehicles both passenger and commercial preferred for drivetrain/wheel-end systems, and other related powertrain applications.
• Team player with interest to learn from and share competences with others.
• Ability to understand interpret CAD drawings, GD&T.
• Familiarity with commercial simulation software (ANSYS, Adams, etc.) and Computer-Aided Design.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Dependable, reliable, and self-motivated.
• Candidate demonstrates the ability to relentlessly pursue business opportunities.
• Valid Driver's license.
• Fluent in English.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with bearings used in electric vehicle applications.
• Bearing steels, lubricant, and heat treatment selection for bearing applications.
• Experience with bearing simulation software.
• Ability to identify customers' needs and turn them into business.
• Understanding and experience leading complex projects.
• The successful candidate would display a high amount of initiative.

Benefits

• Generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.
• Flexible work options available, depending on role.
• Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment.
• Company paid life insurance, STD, LTD.
• Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs.
• 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution: 100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.