Principal Electrical Engineer

JTEKT North America • Plymouth, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

In this role, you will report to the Electrical Engineering Manager and serve as a principal technical and project lead for development of electromechanical chassis systems, including steering and driveline products. This position requires a strong understanding of overall software and hardware development processes, practical experience with embedded systems and test environments, and the ability to provide hands-on technical support when needed. This is a principal role for an engineer who can align project goals, technical tasks, and development resources while also contributing directly to problem solving, testing, and system integration.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of electromechanical systems, embedded controls, electrical architectures, vehicle networks, diagnostics, and system integration.
• Strong understanding of automotive software and hardware development processes, including requirements management, model-based development, verification and validation, configuration management, and V-cycle development.
• Ability to apply control theory, system modeling, signal analysis, and closed-loop control principles to system design, performance evaluation, and problem solving.
• Working knowledge of HIL, dynamometer, laboratory, and vehicle test environments, including system integration, instrumentation, test automation, and data acquisition.
• Working knowledge of automotive communication protocols and development tools, including CAN/CAN FD, diagnostics, calibration, and measurement systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience developing automotive electromechanical systems, preferably steering, braking, chassis, driveline, or other safety-critical products.
• Experience leading complex product development programs from concept through production launch and field support.
• Experience with engineering risk assessment and structured problem-solving methodologies, including FMEA, FTA, 8D, and root-cause investigation.
• Experience using automotive development and validation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Vector CANoe/CANalyzer/CANape, HIL platforms, calibration tools, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience supporting product launch and manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting production issues and implementing corrective actions.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with functional safety and automotive development processes, including ISO 26262, ASPICE, CMMI, or equivalent methodologies, preferred.
• Experience applying automation, data analytics, machine learning, or AI-based tools to improve engineering productivity, testing efficiency, or decision-making is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex engineering programs by defining project objectives, managing risks and resources, and coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve customer and business goals.
• Serve as the technical authority for software, electronic hardware, system integration, and control system development, providing guidance on architecture, requirements, technical reviews, and issue resolution.
• Lead technical reviews of requirements, specifications, interfaces, drawings, validation plans, and test results, providing recommendations to improve product performance, quality, manufacturability, and development efficiency.
• Define and lead verification and validation activities, including planning, traceability, test coverage, and the development of calibration, diagnostic, communication, and test tools to support efficient product development and issue resolution.
• Support product launch and production by partnering with manufacturing, quality, and supplier management teams to resolve production issues, implement corrective actions, and improve quality, yield, and process robustness.
• Lead and contribute to critical technical activities across product development, integration, validation, and production support, providing hands-on expertise in problem solving, technical reviews, and issue resolution when required.
• Work additional hours, including weekends, when directed by the immediate supervisor or when necessary to complete essential job duties.
• Develop and maintain responsive, cooperative relationships with internal and external customers while treating others with dignity, trust, and respect.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Optical
• Supplementary Insurance
• Optional Benefits (pet insurance, legal consultation, cyber security, retirement support, mental health services, etc.)
• 401K (With match)
• HSA contribution
• Success Sharing
• Paid Time-Off
• Educational Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal